U.S. patent application number 13/649931 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-07 for system for payment via electronic wallet.
This patent application is currently assigned to Blackhawk Network, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Blackhawk Network, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ansar ANSARI, Tomas Ariel CAMPOS, Kellie D. HARPER, Teri LLACH, Keith MILLER.
Application Number | 20130036048 13/649931 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47627589 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130036048 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CAMPOS; Tomas Ariel ; et
al. |
February 7, 2013 |
System for Payment via Electronic Wallet
Abstract
A method includes receiving a request to process, against an
electronic wallet, a portion of a transaction, an electronic wallet
optionally comprising a sub-wallet, the transaction processed
against the wallet and/or sub-wallet. The method further includes
identifying one or more electronic value tokens in the e-wallet
and/or sub-wallet that, when used together, will cover the portion
of the transaction. The method further includes applying the
electronic value tokens to the portion of the transaction.
Inventors: |
CAMPOS; Tomas Ariel;
(Berkeley, CA) ; MILLER; Keith; (Livermore,
CA) ; LLACH; Teri; (Palo Alto, CA) ; HARPER;
Kellie D.; (Alpine, UT) ; ANSARI; Ansar;
(Santa Clara, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Blackhawk Network, Inc.; |
Pleasanton |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Blackhawk Network, Inc.
Pleasanton
CA
|
Family ID: |
47627589 |
Appl. No.: |
13/649931 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13483711 |
May 30, 2012 |
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13649931 |
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PCT/US11/40055 |
Jun 10, 2011 |
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13483711 |
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PCT/US11/20570 |
Jan 7, 2011 |
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13483711 |
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PCT/US11/49338 |
Aug 26, 2011 |
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13483711 |
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61491791 |
May 31, 2011 |
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61491813 |
May 31, 2011 |
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61496397 |
Jun 13, 2011 |
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61496404 |
Jun 13, 2011 |
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61354469 |
Jun 14, 2010 |
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61354470 |
Jun 14, 2010 |
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61360327 |
Jun 30, 2010 |
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61293413 |
Jan 8, 2010 |
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61377800 |
Aug 27, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/36 20130101;
G06Q 20/3674 20130101; G06Q 20/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/41 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/36 20120101
G06Q020/36 |
Claims
1. A computer implemented electronic wallet managing method,
comprising: receiving a request to process a payment transaction
against an electronic wallet; identifying authentication
information of the request; identifying a value token in the
electronic wallet; and applying at least a portion of the value
token to at least a portion of the request.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic wallet comprises a
primary wallet and a sub-wallet.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: processing at least a
portion of the request via the primary wallet.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: processing at least a
portion of the request via the sub-wallet.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein an aggregator system receives the
request, the method further comprising: determining at least a
portion of the request may be processed in the sub-wallet; and
sending the portion of the request from the aggregator system to a
third party.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the sub-wallet comprises a
sub-sub-wallet.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the value token comprises an
electronic representation of value, wherein the electronic
representation of value comprises a credit card, debit card, gift
card, prepaid telephone card, loyalty card, membership card, ticket
or ticket card, entertainment card, sports card, prepaid card,
coupon, admission pass, prepaid or pre-purchases of goods or
services, cash, currency, credit card account, debit card account,
merchant account, bank account, merchant-issued credit,
merchant-issued point, merchant-issued promotional value,
merchant-accepted credit, merchant-accepted point,
merchant-accepted promotional value, or combinations thereof.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the value token further comprises
at least two electronic representations of value of different
types.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein applying at least a portion of
the value token comprises using the value token according to a set
of configurable rules specifying priority of the value tokens.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the priority is based on a
transaction information variable comprising physical location of a
retailer originating the electronic wallet request; transaction
amount; type of retailer; time of day; day of week; week of month;
month of year; department of retailer originating the electronic
wallet request; lane of retailer originating the electronic wallet
request; identification of checker; parent company of a retailer
originating the electronic wallet request; value of value tokens;
type of the electronic wallet request; or combinations thereof.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein applying at least a portion of
the value token comprises using the value token according to a set
of configurable rules specifying percentages of the electronic
wallet request to which value tokens may be applied.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: exchanging at least
a portion of the value token of the electronic wallet for at least
a portion of a second value token not located in the electronic
wallet.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: applying an
exchange rate against the second value token or an asset located in
the electronic wallet.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein exchanging at least a portion
of the value token comprises: contacting a second value token
distributor; and requesting the second value token distributor to
provide the second value token.
15. A computer implemented electronic wallet managing method,
comprising: receiving a request to process a payment transaction
against an electronic wallet, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a primary wallet and a sub-wallet; determining the
request contains valid authentication information; determining a
value token, or a combination of value tokens, associated with the
electronic wallet is capable of meeting the request; and applying
at least a portion of the value token to at least a portion of the
request.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the electronic wallet comprises
two or more value tokens, wherein the primary wallet comprises at
least one of the two or more value tokens, wherein the sub-wallet
comprises at least another of the two or more value tokens.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: determining a
portion of the request is related to the primary wallet; and
determining another portion of the request is related to the
sub-wallet.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: applying at least a
portion of the primary wallet's value token to the request; and
applying at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value token to the
request.
19. A computer implemented electronic wallet managing method,
comprising: receiving a request related to an electronic wallet,
wherein the request comprises an electronic wallet request, a
balance inquiry request, a registration request, an activation
request, a redemption request, or combinations thereof; and
managing the contents of the electronic wallet according to the
request.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein managing the contents
comprises: exchanging at least a portion of a value token of the
electronic wallet for at least a portion of a second value token
not located in the electronic wallet.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: applying an
exchange rate against the second value token or an asset located in
the electronic wallet.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein exchanging at least a portion
of the value token comprises: contacting a second value token
distributor of the second value token; and requesting the second
value token distributor to provide the second value token.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein the electronic wallet comprises
a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, wherein the first
sub-wallet comprises a value token, the method further comprising:
placing the value token of the first sub-wallet into the second
sub-wallet.
24. The method of claim 19, further comprising: provisioning the
electronic wallet with a value token.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein provisioning the electronic
wallet comprises adding the value token to the electronic
wallet.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the value token is provisioned
in an amount different than the purchase price.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein provisioning the electronic
wallet comprises encoding the value token with a coupon code.
28. The method of claim 19, wherein the electronic wallet comprises
a savings-designated sub-wallet, the method further comprising:
placing at least a portion of a value token in the
savings-designated sub-wallet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/483,711 filed on May 30, 2012
which claims priority to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
Nos. 61/491,791 and 61/491,813, both filed on May 31, 2011 and
entitled "A System for Payment via Electronic Wallet;" U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/496,397 and 61/496,404,
both filed on Jun. 13, 2011 and entitled "System, Method, and
Apparatus for Creating and Distributing a Transaction Credit;"
13/483,711 filed on May 30, 2012 is a continuation-in-part of
International Application Serial No. PCT/US11/40055, filed Jun. 10,
2011 and entitled, "Efficient Stored-Value Card Transactions" which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos.
61/354,469 and 61/354,470 both filed on Jun. 14, 2010, and
61/360,327 filed on Jun. 30, 2010; 13/483,711 filed on May 30, 2012
is a continuation-in-part of International Application Serial No.
PCT/US11/20570, filed on Jan. 7, 2011 and entitled "A System for
Processing, Activating and Redeeming Value Added Prepaid Cards,"
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/293,413, filed on Jan. 8, 2010; this application is a
continuation-in-part of International Application Serial No.
PCT/US11/49338, filed on Aug. 26, 2011 and entitled "Prepaid Card
with Savings Feature," which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/377,800, filed on Aug. 27, 2010 each
of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0002] This application also incorporates by reference the entirety
of the disclosure, the subject matter, and concepts of: U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/538,083, filed Aug. 7, 2009, and entitled
"Transaction Processing Platform for Facilitating Electronic
Distribution of Plural Prepaid Services" which is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/338,854, filed Dec. 18, 2008,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/851,337, filed Sep. 6, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,477,731), which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/007,662,
filed Dec. 7, 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,280,644); U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/040,074 filed Mar. 3, 2011 and entitled
"System and Method for Electronic Prepaid Account Replenishment;"
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/821,815, filed Apr. 9, 2004 and
entitled "System and Method for Distributing Person Identification
Numbers Over a Computer Network;" U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/786,403, filed May 24, 2010, and entitled "System and Method for
Distributing Person Identification Numbers Over a Computer
Network;"U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/711,211, filed Feb.
23, 2010, and entitled "System and Method for Distributing Person
Identification Numbers Over a Computer Network;" and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/719,741, filed Mar. 8, 2010, and entitled
"Systems and Methods for Personal Identification Number
Distribution and Delivery."
BACKGROUND
[0003] The electronic transaction market is currently filled with
many types of credit cards, debit cards, stored value cards, and
loyalty cards, all of which may be offered by different issuers,
vendors, and providers. Some of the cards are tailored to be
redeemed from a retailer while others may be redeemed by financial
institutions. Other cards have promotions attached to them, e.g.,
loyalty cards. However, the increasing quantity and complexity of
the cards makes organization and redemption increasingly difficult,
thus potentially hindering the growth of the market. For example, a
user may not know or remember that the user has a stored value card
for a specific store during a purchase at that store because the
user has too many stored value cards. Also, a user may not
understand the various types of promotions available to him using a
card in combination with a loyalty card, and as such, may not
benefit from promotions applicable to the user's purchase.
Historically, cards have been embodied in a tangible medium such as
plastic, and thus are susceptible to loss, theft, or simply being
left at home when needed. With the continued growth in card-based
transactional offerings provided to consumers, many consumers are
faced with the burdensome task of organizing, managing, tracking,
transporting, and storing all of their credit, debit, stored-value,
loyalty, and other types of merchant, vendor, and provider issued
cards. What today's consumers need is a more efficient, secure, and
effective way of accessing and using their card-related assets.
SUMMARY
[0004] Disclosed herein are computer implemented methods and
systems including, in an embodiment, a computer implemented method
and system for implementing an electronic wallet, and including
functionality such as adding/redeeming value tokens to/from the
electronic wallet or a portion thereof (e.g., a sub-wallet) is
described. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request
to process, against an electronic wallet or sub-wallet, all or a
portion of a payment transaction. The method further includes
identifying one or more value tokens in the wallet or sub-wallet
that, when used together, will cover all or the portion of the
payment transaction. The method further includes applying the
electronic value tokens to all or the portion of the payment
transaction.
[0005] In another embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable
storage device comprises executable instructions that, when
executed, cause one or more processors to receive a request to
process, against an electronic sub-wallet, a portion of a payment
transaction, an electronic wallet comprising the sub-wallet, the
payment transaction processed against the wallet. The processor are
further caused to identify one or more value tokens in the
sub-wallet that, when used together, will cover the portion of the
payment transaction. The processors are further caused to apply the
electronic value tokens to the portion of the payment
transaction.
[0006] In another embodiment, a system comprises one or more
processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The
memory comprises executable instructions that, when executed, cause
the one or more processors to receive a request to process, against
an electronic sub-wallet, a portion of a payment transaction, an
electronic wallet comprising the sub-wallet, the payment
transaction processed against the wallet. The one or more
processors are further caused to identify one or more value tokens
in the sub-wallet that, when used together, will cover the portion
of the payment transaction. The one or more processors are further
caused to apply the electronic value tokens to the portion of the
payment transaction.
[0007] In an embodiment, an electronic value token transaction
computer comprises a point-of-sale interface and a sorting unit,
and a datastore coupled to the stored-valued card transaction
computer comprises an electronic wallet unit. The point-of-sale
interface receives requests, and the sorting unit identifies one of
the requests as an electronic wallet request comprising
authentication information. The electronic value token transaction
computer accesses an electronic wallet, via the electronic wallet
unit, associated with the authentication information. The
electronic value token transaction computer examines rules
associated with the electronic wallet and selects, based on the
rules, value tokens in the electronic wallet that, when used
together, will cover the electronic wallet request. The electronic
value token transaction computer applies the electronic value
tokens to the electronic wallet request.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2B, and 2C are schematic representations of an
electronic value token transaction processing system in accordance
with at least one embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an electronic
wallet.
[0010] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are front perspective views of
representative individual proxy cards in accordance with at least
one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3D is a front perspective view of a representative
personal digital in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4A is a flowchart depicting exemplary processes
utilized by an electronic value token transaction computer for
creating an electronic wallet or adding/redeeming value tokens
to/from the electronic wallet in accordance with at least one
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4B is a flowchart depicting exemplary processes
utilized by an electronic value token transaction computer for
creating an electronic sub-wallet or adding/redeeming value tokens
to/from the electronic sub-wallet in accordance with at least one
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a particular machine suitable for
implementing the several embodiments of the disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 6A-D illustrates a series of user interface screens
and prompts in accordance with at least one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Disclosed herein is an efficient, secure, and effective
method for organizing, managing, transporting, storing and using
all manner of assets related to credit, debit, loyalty, and
stored-value type cards, the disclosed method of which incorporates
an electronic wallet ("e-wallet"). As shown in FIG. 1B, an e-wallet
is an electronically maintained data file which may comprise
authentication information, rules for use, sub-wallets (e.g., for
separately maintaining credit-card related information, debit
card-related information, and stored-value card-related
information), and electronic value tokens (e.g., electronic
representations of the monetary and/or other value associated with
the credit-card related information, debit card-related
information, and stored-value card-related information contained in
the e-wallet/sub-wallet). In certain embodiments, as reflected in
FIGS. 6A-D, a user may create an e-wallet, establish rules for the
e-wallet, provision the e-wallet, and access the e-wallet to
facilitate electronic transactions.
[0017] Also disclosed herein, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A-B, and 4A-B,
an electronic value token transaction processing system provides
users, merchants, vendors, issuers, providers, and other interested
parties an efficient, secure, and effective system for facilitating
the organization, management, transportation, storage, and use of
the aforementioned e-wallets and electronic value tokens in
financial transactions.
[0018] As will be more fully described herein, there are certain
basic concepts and functions employed by e-wallets and e-wallet
enabled systems. These concepts include the creation of an
e-wallet, provisioning the e-wallet (e.g., converting tangible
cards into electronic value tokens and associating the electronic
value tokens to an e-wallet or requesting an electronic value token
be associated with the e-wallet), accessing the e-wallet, and
establishing rules for the e-wallet's use.
[0019] Moreover, as will be more fully detailed herein, the
e-wallet may be used in a system wherein the e-wallet provider
manages the entirety of the e-wallet's contents (e.g., the primary
e-wallet, any sub-wallets or secondary wallets, and associated
electronic value tokens therein). Alternatively, the e-wallet may
be used in a system wherein the e-wallet provider manages only a
portion of the e-wallet's contents (e.g. the primary e-wallet and
electronic value tokens therein) and delegates the management of
one or more (or all) sub-wallets or secondary wallets to a
third-party's electronic value token transaction processing
system.
[0020] As will be further detailed herein, either of the two
described management systems may be configured to allow the
systems' user to fully manage the functionalities of the user's
e-wallet; participate in value added/bonus programs offered by
issuers, vendors, and/or other electronic value token-related
parties; participate in card exchange activities (e.g., wherein a
user exchanges an electronic value token maintained in its e-wallet
for an electronic value token not in the e-wallet); and participate
in savings programs offered by issuers, vendors, and/or other
electronic value token-related parties.
[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary electronic value token
transaction processing system 100. Specifically, FIG. 1A
illustrates an electronic value token transaction computer 150
configured for communication with point of sale devices 111, one or
more authorization systems 160 (e.g., retailer, bank, and credit
card), and datastore 180. Moreover, FIG. 1A illustrates that the
point of sale devices 111 are in communication with a proxy card
200 (which will be shown below to represent an embodiment of a
means for a user to access an e-wallet) and that the datastore 180
comprises an e-wallet unit 199, which in turn comprises e-wallets
10.
[0022] FIG. 1B illustrates an electronic wallet 10 in accordance
with one embodiment, and it is to be understood that the details of
e-wallet 10 may be employed in any of the various embodiments
disclosed herein (e.g., as e-wallet 10 of FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 2B) and
the maintenance of said e-wallet 10 may be wholly performed by a
single e-wallet system (e.g., electronic value token transaction
processing system 100) or may distributed across multiple e-wallet
systems (e.g., electronic value token transaction processing
systems 1100 and 1200 and E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000).
Specifically, FIG. 1B illustrates an electronic wallet 10
comprising authentication information 801, rules 802, electronic
value tokens 804, sub-wallet 807 for credit card electronic value
tokens, sub-wallet (with corresponding rules 817 and electronic
value tokens 827), sub-wallet 808 for debit card electronic value
tokens (with corresponding rules 818 and electronic value tokens
828), and sub-wallet 809 for stored-value card electronic value
tokens (with corresponding rules 819 and electronic value tokens
829). FIGS. 1A and 1B may be further understood from the below
discussion.
[0023] In order to eliminate the increasing complexity in
organization, transport, security, and redemption, transaction
cards are stored electronically as value tokens in electronic
wallets. As used herein, a value token refers to an electronic
identifier that may be used to transact business with a party
willing to accept the electronic value token, for example as tender
for a purchase. Examples of such value tokens include electronic
representations of, or associated with, stored value cards (also
referred to as prepaid cards) and other physical representations of
value of a variety of types such as credit cards, debit cards, gift
cards, prepaid telephone cards, loyalty cards, membership cards,
tickets or ticket cards, entertainment cards, sports cards, prepaid
cards, coupons, admission passes, prepaid or pre-purchased goods or
services, and the like. In an embodiment, a value token includes
cash or currency. In an embodiment, the electronic value token
includes a credit or debit card or account. In an embodiment, a
value token includes a preexisting account such as a merchant
account, bank account, etc. In an embodiment, a value token
includes a merchant-issued and/or accepted credit, points, coupon
or promotional value. In an embodiment, a value token is associated
with a prepaid card or account, and unless otherwise indicated it
is to be understood that the various embodiments described herein
may be carried out in the context of a prepaid card or account such
as a merchant gift card.
[0024] A physical credit card, debit card, stored-value card, or
other physical representations of value may be converted into a
value token to be added to the electronic wallet. For example,
physical gift cards or other physical representations of value may
be transformed into value tokens in a user's electronic wallet via
a point-of-sale device, cellular phone, a computer, short messaging
service ("SMS"), and the like. Once so transformed, the electronic
value tokens may be redeemed by the user, after authentication,
without possession of the physical representation such as gift
cards by accessing the user's electronic wallet during purchase. In
this way, the use of the term value token herein refers to
electronic representations and physical representations that can be
transformed into electronic representations. In at least one
embodiment, the physical gift card is inoperative after
transformation. In an alternative embodiment, the physical gift
card is inoperative after redemption of the electronic value token
using the electronic wallet or the physical gift card
[0025] Consumer use of value tokens typically involves a vendor, a
redeeming merchant or retailer, and an issuer. In various
embodiments, the vendor, redeeming merchant, and issuer may be the
same, different, or related entities. The point of sale where value
tokens are purchased or otherwise made available for inclusion in
an electronic wallet may be referred to as the vendor. Thus, the
vendor sells the electronic value tokens themselves although the
electronic value tokens may be redeemed at another place of
business. An entity that will accept a value token for business
transactions, for example as tender for a purchase, may be referred
to as a redeeming merchant or retailer. For example, a grocery
store may sell the electronic value token of an apparel store. The
grocery store is the vendor and the apparel store is the redeeming
merchant or retailer. An entity that provides the financial backing
and/or payment processing for a given value token such as a prepaid
card or account may be referred to as the issuer. Issuers include
direct issuers of value tokens such as store-branded value tokens
(e.g., store branded prepaid cards or tokens issued directly by the
merchant, sometimes referred to as closed-loop prepaid cards), and
in some embodiments the vendor may also be the issuer and/or the
redeeming merchant (e.g., a prepaid card or token issued, sold, and
redeemed by the same merchant). Issuers also include financial
institutions such as banks, VISA, MasterCard, American Express,
etc., and value tokens issued by such institutions may be readily
accepted by a number of redeeming merchants to conduct transactions
such as purchases (sometimes referred to as open loop prepaid cards
or tokens since they may be redeemed at a number of different
merchants). Issuers may also be the providers of branded electronic
wallets such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and the like, and in
some embodiments such branded wallet contains value tokens
associated with the issuer (e.g., Google "cash" or credits, Pay Pal
currency, Facebook electronic currency, etc.) and may contain or be
associated with a sub-wallet containing gift card-related value
tokens, a sub-wallet containing credit card-related value tokens, a
sub-wallet containing debit card-related value tokens, or a
combination thereof.
[0026] Generally, an electronic value token transaction computer
150 credits or debits (or takes other actions of the type described
herein) the accounts associated with the electronic value tokens
contained within an electronic wallet or sub-wallet. The electronic
value token transaction computer 150 may generate or forward
messages to authorization systems 160 so that the authorization
systems 160 can credit or debit (or take other action of the type
described herein) the accounts associated with the electronic value
tokens. Confirmation messages are returned to the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 and POS device 111, and the
electronic wallet 10 or a sub-wallet is updated as necessary.
[0027] In at least one embodiment, transaction information is
separate from authentication information. For example, information
about a purchase item, purchase price, purchase location, etc. is
considered transaction information and is separate from
authentication information such as an authentication token, PIN,
account number, etc. Among other things, keeping the information
separate allows for separate processing and routing, allowing for
greater efficiency and privacy. For example, in applying the
electronic value tokens according to the configurable rule, the
priority may be based on a transaction information variables such
as physical location of a retailer originating the electronic
wallet request; transaction amount; type of retailer; time of day;
day of week; week of month; month of year; department of retailer
originating the electronic wallet request; lane of retailer
originating the electronic wallet request; identification of
checker; parent company of a retailer originating the electronic
wallet request; value of value tokens; and type of the electronic
wallet request in various embodiments. Such transaction and/or
authentication information may be used by the systems described
herein in conjunction with rules based decision making (e.g.,
checking such transaction data to validate and apply a promotion
associated with the transaction), for security purposes (e.g.,
checking such transaction data against pre-determined profiles to
assist with fraud detection), and the like.
[0028] In at least one embodiment, the wallet provider stands in
for the purchaser, and redemption of the electronic value token
occurs after the purchase. However, this time mismatch creates a
discrepancy in the retailer's records. Specifically, the retailer
records a transaction between the retailer and the wallet provider.
The retailer records a later redemption via value token, seemingly
for no purchase. In these instances, a third party administrator is
required that can connect the redemption with the transaction.
[0029] There can be many ways to provision or add value tokens to
an electronic wallet. For example, a user may pay the vendor for a
value token, and the vendor may insert the electronic value token
into the user's wallet. Alternatively, the user may obtain a
physical representation of the electronic value token from the
vendor (e.g., a card, chit, printed receipt, etc.) and may
subsequently add the value to the electronic wallet (for example,
via a phone or internet accessed user interface). The user may have
a choice of many different retailers affiliated with the vendor. In
other words, a given vendor may offer a plurality of tokens
associated with different retailers. For example, a retailer may
offer promotions to compete for the user's business when purchasing
a value token such as a prepaid account.
[0030] Each retailer may mandate a specific format for value
tokens. For example, one retailer may require a 16 digit card
number plus a 4 digit month/year expiration date. Other retailers
may require pin numbers, access numbers, card verification value
numbers, card security code numbers, and the like. Each piece of
information for different retailers may have a different format as
well as a different name. As such, an electronic wallet provider or
host (for example, a primary e-wallet provider) would benefit by
allowing third party administration for electronic representations
of value tokens have a variety of formats such as stored value
cards, credit cards, debit cards, loyalty and promotion cards, and
other subsets of value tokens for which administration by the
primary e-wallet provider would be more expensive.
[0031] In an embodiment, value tokens associated with prepaid cards
or accounts may be associated with a sub-wallet within the
electronic wallet (for example, a sub-wallet of a primary, branded
electronic wallet such as a Google electronic wallet), and a third
party may administer the sub-wallet on behalf of the
primary/principal electronic wallet host or provider. For example,
during a transaction involving value tokens associated with prepaid
cards or accounts (e.g., electronic or virtual stored value cards),
the provider of the electronic wallet allows a sub-wallet
associated with such value tokens to take control of a portion of
the transaction, sometimes referred to as a sub-transaction. In an
embodiment, a sub-transaction comprises a transaction associated
with an electronic prepaid card or account such as redemption,
value addition (e.g., topping up), activation, closure, fraud
detection, etc. Specifically, the third party administrator can
quickly and cheaply administer the transaction, including but not
limited to determining and/or providing the proper formatting for
the sub-transaction, and further execute the sub-transaction
independently and/or in cooperation with the primary electronic
wallet host or provider. Such formatting may relate to the
particulars of information/data contained upon or associated with a
given value token (e.g., type of card number, security code, etc.)
and/or the formatting of information or data associated with a
particular transaction (e.g., the characteristics, organization,
packaging, etc. of data such as card type, transaction type,
security code, etc. into messaging fields or other data formats for
receipt/transmission while processing a transaction). For example,
the third party administration can pass the proper transaction
formatting template to the primary wallet provider. In at least one
embodiment, the third party administrator determines from the
request, or requests from the user, the identity of the retailer
associated with the transaction. Preferably, the third party
administrator maintains a database of a plurality of transaction
formats associated with a plurality of retailers. After determining
the identity of the retailer associated with the transaction, the
third party administrator identifies the associated transaction
format for the identified retailer using the format database and
all subsequent processing is performed using the retailer-specific
transaction format and vocabulary. In an embodiment, a user may
wish to add a value token to an electronic wallet using a physical
stored value card. The user is requested to identify the retailer
associated with the stored value card, for example via a user
interface located at a point of sale (including, in an embodiment,
a point of sale associated with a personal computer such as on-line
shopping via websites). In another embodiment, the user provides
information associated with the stored value token via a web-based
or personal digital assistant interface (e.g., a mobile phone app).
Accordingly, based upon the user provided data, the appropriate
format may be referenced from the database and the user may be
shown a pictorial representation or other mockup representation of
the physical stored value card with the specific input information
highlighted on the mockup. As such, the user knows exactly which
inputs are required to add the electronic value token to the
electronic wallet. The user inputted information derived from the
mockup will be in the proper format and/or may be further modified,
packaged, etc. by the third party administrator to meet further
formatting requirements. While the example described is simple,
more complex transactions are also possible. As will be described
more fully herein, transactions relating to (i) using value tokens
in primary and/or sub-wallets for portions of transactions is
similarly handled as is (ii) exchanging value tokens in primary
and/or sub-wallets for other types of value tokens or value tokens
associated with other retailers. For example, a user may wish to
exchange a value token associated with a retailer the user does not
frequent for a value token associated with a retailer that the user
does frequent. Moreover, the third party administrator may use the
transaction format associated with the identified retailer for
financial reconciliation of the transaction or sub-transaction
(e.g., debiting and crediting a prepaid account). In this instance,
use of the proper transaction format is not only convenient but
often required.
[0032] As indicated above, an electronic sub-wallet is a
specifically defined portion of an e-wallet located in or
associated with a specific e-wallet (e.g., a primary or principal
wallet). A sub-wallet may be administered/maintained by the primary
or principal e-wallet's administrator, processor, and/or provider
or may be administered by another party, system, processor,
subroutine, or server. The separate administration of the
electronic sub-wallet allows the primary e-wallet provider and user
to take advantage of economies of scale. For example, all
electronic value tokens may be stored in one sub-wallet while
credit and debit cards are stored in the primary e-wallet or a
separate electronic sub-wallet. As such, the provider of the
primary e-wallet may administrate/perform transactions concerning
value tokens associated with credit and debit cards residing in the
primary e-wallet while allowing a third party to
administrate/perform transactions concerning value tokens
associated with electronic value tokens residing in an electronic
sub-wallet, freeing the third party from costly banking and credit
regulations. Moreover, the third party administrator may use the
economies of scale to receive payment for its services via
arbitrage, commission, pay per transaction, or the like.
[0033] Via the separate administration of a sub-wallet, the third
party administrator (e.g., administrator of an electronic
sub-wallet associated with electronic prepaid accounts) provides
convenience to both the user and the primary electronic wallet
provider. Often, the third party administrator is the only entity
with the knowledge and expertise (e.g., a database of required
transaction formats) to process financial reconciliations or other
transactions associated with an electronic prepaid account
associated with a given issuer. For example, a third party
administrator may be the only entity capable of matching a
particular transaction on the retailer's book to a particular use
of a value token or electronic wallet. As discussed in more detail
herein, in some embodiments, the third party administrator carries
out, implements, and/or is responsible for all or a portion of the
functionality described in conjunction with the electronic value
token transaction computer 150, for example in the context of
administering one or more electronic sub-wallets (e.g., an
electronic sub-wallet associated with electronic prepaid accounts
such as closed loop accounts issued on behalf of one or more
merchants) for the primary host or provider of an electronic wallet
such as a branded electronic wallet.
[0034] Access to the electronic wallet may be gated or protected by
an authentication token or other means for securely accessing an
electronic wallet, examples of which include a proxy card or a
personal digital assistant or mobile device such as a smart phone.
Other embodiments for access to the electronic wallet include
cardless access such as a number/password combination, a number
without a password, and the like. Biometric information may also be
used for authentication and access purposes, e.g. a fingerprint or
iris print. Near field communication technology may also be used to
implement authentication tokens. Near field communication
technology may be implemented at a physical point of sale or in
association with an online transaction. In either context, the near
field communication technology may be implemented by a user via a
proxy card (e.g., 200, 201, or 203), personal computer, personal
digital assistant, smart phone 204, or other online
transaction-related device. Thus, the authentication token may be
tangible, intangible, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment,
the authentication token may be generated, created, and/or formed
at the initiation of an electronic transaction to uniquely identify
the electronic transaction. In an embodiment, the uniquely
generated authentication token may comprise elements of an
electronic wallet identifier, a merchant identifier, a point of
sale identifier, an electronic value token identifier, an
electronic value token issuer identifier, an electronic value token
transaction processor identifier, or combinations thereof. In
another embodiment, the uniquely generated authentication token may
be wholly unique and not comprise any portion of any previous
identifier.
[0035] Examples of proxy cards are depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and
3C. FIG. 3A depicts a proxy card 200 in which the authentication
information 211 is encoded on the card 200 by means of a bar code
capable of being read by an optical scanner. FIG. 3B depicts a
proxy card 201 in which the authentication information 211 is
encoded on a magnetic strip located on the card 201. FIG. 3B
depicts a proxy card 203 in which the authentication information
211 is encoded on a near field communication chip on the card 201.
In some embodiments, the proxy card may have a magnetic strip and a
bar code (or a plurality of magnetic strips and/or bar codes), and
one or more of such may contain the authentication information 211.
The proxy cards 200, 201, and 203 are fabricated from a suitable
first material, such as plastic, paper, a plastic-coated paper,
laminates, or combinations thereof. The proxy cards 200, 201, and
203 are typically made in a thickness range of from about 0.005 to
about 0.040 inch. The proxy cards 200, 201, and 203 each bear
authentication information 211, for example an account number,
serial number, authorization code, digital signature, electronic
key or key code, RFID chip/data, etc. corresponding to an e-wallet.
The proxy card authentication information 211 is unique to the
proxy card and associates the proxy card to an electronic wallet,
and in an embodiment such association is stored in a database
accessible by an administrator of the e-wallet. The authentication
information 211 may be encoded in a bar code as depicted in FIG. 3A
on proxy card 200, a magnetic strip as depicted in FIG. 3B on proxy
card 201, a near field communication chip as depicted in FIG. 3C on
proxy card 203, a series of numerals, a series of letters, or a
combination thereof. The proxy cards 200, 201, and 203 may also be
fashioned with personal identification numbers, or PINs, to be
entered during the course of the transaction, that correspond to
the authentication information 211 and allows access and/or use of
the electronic wallet. In an embodiment, the PIN may be encoded in
a bar code, a magnetic strip, a series of numeral, a series of
letters, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the PIN may be
obscured from view by packaging, by an obscuring material such as a
scratch-off strip or peel-off label, or combinations thereof. In
some embodiments, the proxy card may comprise a card security code
(CSC), a card verification value (CVV or CV2), a card verification
value code (CVVC), card verification code (CVC), verification code
(V-code or V code), card code verification (CCV), credit card ID
(CCID), or combinations thereof, and such codes (along with any
other authentication data or token described herein) may be
employed in an authorization or authentication transaction, for
example initiated at a point of sale in conjunction with an
e-wallet payment for a purchase transaction.
[0036] FIG. 3B depicts a proxy card 201 in which the authentication
information 211 is encoded on a magnetic strip located on the card
201. The magnetic strip may be made conventional construction, such
as one deposited from a slurry, positioned on the card 201 so that
it can be scanned in magnetic strip reading equipment such as a
Tranz terminal made by Verifone. For additional security, the
authentication information 211 may also be subjected to an
encryption algorithm prior to encoding on the magnetic strip.
[0037] In at least one embodiment, the proxy card 200 comprises a
bar code, such as a UPC code (e.g., a GS1-128 or UCC/EAN-128),
positioned on the proxy card 201 so that it can be scanned by
well-known bar code reading equipment. Encoded in the bar code on
the proxy card is a representation of the authentication
information 211.
[0038] In other embodiments, series of numerals, series of letters,
or combinations thereof, may be placed on the proxy cards 200 and
201 to be read or interpreted by a human or a device, i.e. optical
character recognition device, configured to interpret a series of
shapes corresponding to the package identifier. Any suitable
authentication token as described herein such as virtual or
cardless authentication tokens, mobile phones, etc. may be employed
in the various embodiments described herein.
[0039] In further embodiments, e.g., proxy card 203, near field
communication technology, radio frequency identification (RFID)
tags, microprocessors, and/or microchips may be placed on the proxy
card to be interpreted by specifically configured devices. The RFID
tags, microprocessors, and/or microchips may be used in addition to
or in place of the bar code 255 on proxy card 200 and magnetic
strip 256 on proxy card 201, or may be used in combination with
these or other means of encoding the authentication information on
the proxy card. Alternatively, such RFID or other means such as
near field, Bluetooth, etc. may be employed by a user operated
device (e.g., a personal digital assistant such as a smart phone)
to provide electronic wallet access and/or authorization
functionality. In an embodiment, the authentication token is
associated with a personal digital assistant such as a smart phone
204, as depicted in FIG. 3D. For example, an electronic wallet
stored in and/or accessed via a phone may include an authentication
token, or the phone itself may contain hardware and/or unique
electronic data (e.g., authentication data such as serial number,
MAC address, SIM card, digital signature, electronic key, user ID,
phone number, passcode, etc.) that serves as the authentication
token. Such a phone may use near field communication to communicate
data associated with the authentication token with a point of sale
device for authentication and transaction purposes. For example,
the phone may be passed near the point of sale device and transfer
user and/or wallet information and authentication information to
the point of sale device using near field communication protocol.
The phone may transfer all or a portion of the wallet and/or
authentication information, leaving the point of sale device to
determine which portions are applicable to the current transaction,
or the phone may transfer only presently applicable portions of
information, i.e. information to be used during the current
transaction, to the point of sale device. That is, logic as to the
transfer of wallet and/or authentication information to/from the
authentication token (e.g., phone) and the point of sale device may
reside on the authentication device, on the point of sale device,
or both. In an embodiment, the phone may provide hardware and/or
software for authenticating a user, for example a camera or scanner
and associated application for confirming biometric data associated
with the user, and upon authenticating the user, the phone would
convey the successful authentication to the point of sale device.
The point of sale device may communicate with the wallet host or
provider (e.g., a primary e-wallet host) and any sub-wallet hosts
or providers, e.g., third party administrators. In another example,
the point of sale device may communicate with only the wallet host
or provider (e.g., a primary e-wallet host), and the wallet host or
provider may communicate with third party administrators, for
example a sub-wallet host or administrator. Despite multiple
configurations to enable communication, the transaction may still
occur in real time with no delay to the customer because the
parties use scalable architecture.
[0040] In an embodiment, the authentication device is a proxy card.
Although a proxy card is not a physical card, the proxy card's
similar appearance to a credit card, debit card, and/or
stored-value card will help adoption of and access to electronic
wallets because consumers know how to use electronic value tokens.
As such, consumers may come to think of proxy cards as multiple
cards rolled into one or simply think of a proxy card as an
electronic wallet itself, despite being a physical representation.
Authentication tokens may take and/or be associated with tangible
or intangible embodiments such as a mobile device, a personal
identification number, a phone number plus a personal
identification number, a password, a username plus password,
biometric identifier, and the like. Authentication tokens contain,
provide and/or are associated with authentication information
(e.g., electronic authentication data or information), which
associates a user with an electronic wallet. As such, multiple
value tokens contained in the electronic wallet (or a sub-wallet
thereof) are associated with the user.
[0041] Returning to FIG. 1A, an electronic value token transaction
computer 150 accesses electronic wallets 10 from datastore 180. The
prepaid or stored value card electronic value tokens may include
electronic representations of gift cards, loyalty cards,
promotions, and the like. The POS device 111 obtains authentication
information from an e-wallet user via an authentication token such
as a smart phone or the proxy card 200 and sends the authentication
information (and is some instances, rules for allocating the
contents of the e-wallet for the requested transaction) to the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 along with purchase
information and/or value token information as part of a transaction
request. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 uses
the authentication information to locate the correct electronic
wallet 10 or sub-wallet in the datastore 180 and acts upon the
electronic value token (e.g., adds a value token to a primary
wallet or sub-wallet, activates a value token, debits a value
token, tops-off a value token, checks the balance of a value token,
etc.) or examines rules (received with the request, associated with
the e-wallet by the electronic value token transaction processing
system 100, 1100, 1200, or a combination thereof) in light of the
request's information. For example, for a purchase transaction the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 selects the
electronic value tokens that cover the purchase based on the rules,
for example rules associated with the order or priority in which to
apply or redeem value tokens to cover the purchase price.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 comprises a rules unit 159. The rules unit
159 provides processing, management, associating, and implementing
functionalities for e-wallet (and sub-wallet) rules as provided,
selected, and/or required by e-wallet users, e-wallet providers,
e-wallet accepting merchants, electronic value token issuers,
e-wallet transaction system administrators, and combinations
thereof. The rules unit 159 may function to associate provided,
selected, and/or required rules with e-wallets and sub-wallets
maintained in the database 180 and/or e-wallet unit 199. The rules
unit 159 may comprise a rules engine for deriving rules to be
applied to a transaction in the absence of (or in place of) any
particular rule provided or selected by any other rule assigning
entity. The rules unit 159 may provide for e-wallet/sub-wallet
rules data to be populated via (i) e-wallet user input (e.g., via
kiosk, smart phone, personal digital assistant, and internet
accessible user interface); e-wallet provider input; (iii) e-wallet
system administrator's input; (iv) or any combination thereof. For
example, an e-wallet user may, via kiosk 189 interfacing, provide
the electronic value token transaction computer 150 with specific,
customized rules detailing the manner in which electronic value
tokens contained in the e-wallet should be prioritized for use in
satisfying transactions. Alternatively, the same e-wallet user
could simply select the types of rules applicable to the e-wallet
from a list of options provided by the kiosk's 189 display. In
addition, there may be instances, e.g., in a savings context,
wherein certain laws, regulations, and/or policies require that an
e-wallet be limited to a given number of selected transactions per
period (e.g., transfers from a savings-dedicated e-wallet).
[0043] In an embodiment, the rules can be created and configured by
the user as a flowchart for selection of value tokens based on
purchase information. For example, a rule may comprise selection of
a closed loop-related (Store X branded) value token for a Store X
purchase of any amount, with any remaining purchase balance to
result in selection of an open loop-related (Credit Card Y) value
token to fund such remainder. Alternatively, the user may invoke a
rule that prescribes that open loop-related electronic value tokens
should not be used to satisfy balances for closed loop-related
electronic value token purchase, but rather debit card-related
electronic value tokens residing in the e-wallet should be utilized
to satisfy the balance instead. As such, a user may access and
apply multiple value tokens with the efficiency of using one
authentication token (e.g., one proxy card or smart phone). For
example, the user may use an electronic gift card, an electronic
coupon, and two electronic credit cards from an electronic wallet
or sub-wallet all in the time it takes to use only one physical
card such as a prepaid, debit, or credit card. The user, the
retailer, issuers, vendors, merchants, advertisers, and other
parties benefit from the time saved, the ready access to multiple
sources of value (e.g., multiple accounts associated with the
various value tokens), promotional opportunities, transaction
tracking and data mining regarding customer purchasing behavior,
promotional and advertising efficacy, real-time/point of product
selection or purchase promotional opportunities, etc.
[0044] In another embodiment, the rules may be established by the
e-wallet system provider (e.g., a primary and/or secondary e-wallet
provider or host). The e-wallet system provider may establish a
rule concerning e-wallet allocations when there is no user
established rule available (or if under the terms of a user's
e-wallet use agreement the system's rules take precedent in
designated transaction activities). For example, the e-wallet
system may put a rule in place that directs the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 to first apply an e-wallet system
provider's own branded electronic value token residing in the
user's e-wallet to satisfy the requested transaction when the
transaction concerns, relates, or involves an affiliate and/or
contractually-related entity of the e-wallet system provider. As
such, this type of rule could allow for the e-wallet system
provider and its affiliates and/or contractually-related entities
to maximize revenues or other business objectives based on use of
the e-wallet system and other synergistic effects.
[0045] In a further embodiment, the e-wallet's rules may be
fashioned to automatically direct electronic value token exchange
activities (electronic value token exchange will be discussed in
more complete detail herein). For example, the e-wallet user may
manage the e-wallet (as will be described in more detail herein,
e.g., in relation to FIGS. 6A-6D) so that upon the occasion when
the user presents the e-wallet to satisfy a transaction at retail
establishment, e.g., Retailer Q, and the e-wallet contains no
Retailer Q branded electronic value tokens, the e-wallet will
automatically, and in real time, initiates an electronic value
token exchange process wherein the e-wallet communicates a request
for electronic value token exchange to the electronic value token
transaction computer 150. Additionally or alternatively, the user
may be presented in real-time with a promotion to obtain a
retailer-specific value token (e.g., a real-time offer for a store
branded value token such as a credit account). In this example, the
e-wallet user may mange the e-wallet so that all electronic value
tokens associated with prepaid services (gift card-type electronic
value tokens) are located in a designated sub-wallet and each of
said electronic value tokens may be placed/ordered/designated in
the sub-wallet via a preferential ranking system, e.g., most
preferred electronic value token or token type (e.g., #1) to least
preferred electronic value token or token type (e.g., #22, if there
are 22 types of electronic value tokens in the sub-wallet). For
example, Retailer M branded electronic value tokens may be
designated as most preferred and Retailer L branded electronic
value tokens may be designated as least preferred. Further in the
example, the e-wallet also has been provided with rules by the user
that directs the e-wallet, in circumstances wherein the e-wallet
has been presented to facilitate a transaction at a retailer in
which the e-wallet contains none of said retailer's electronic
value tokens (the e-wallet will recognize the retailer based on
information exchanged between the e-wallet and the retailer's
communication devices at the onset of the original transaction),
such as the Retailer Q scenario described above, the e-wallet rules
direct the e-wallet to initiate an electronic value token exchange
request and to include in said request the exchange of the least
preferred electronic value token residing in the e-wallet, i.e.,
the Retailer L branded electronic value token (#22) and if
necessary preferred electronic value token #21, #20, etc., for a
Retailer Q electronic value token in an amount sufficient to meet
the original transaction's amount. The electronic value token
transaction computer 150, upon receipt of the electronic value
token exchange request, communicates with an electronic value token
exchange program 2000 (which is part of the overall electronic
value token transaction processing system 100, 1100, or 1200) to
effectuate the requested electronic value token exchange. The
requested electronic value token exchange is performed, the
e-wallet receives the requested Retailer Q branded electronic value
token, which is coincidentally used in conducting the original
transaction, and the e-wallet surrenders (or makes unavailable for
use and only available for modification) the Retailer L branded
electronic value token to the electronic value token transaction
computer 150, which in this case was actually valued in excess of
the requested Retailer Q branded electronic value token. As such,
the electronic value token transaction computer 150, modifies the
value of the Retailer L branded electronic value token (either
internally or via communication with the Retailer L branded
electronic value token's issuing system) to reflect the value
reduction based on the provided Retailer Q branded electronic value
token, extracts the exchange rate for the exchange of the Retailer
Q branded electronic value token for the Retailer L branded
electronic value token (as will be discussed more fully herein),
communicates the transactional information to all interested
parties, and returns (or makes available again) the value-modified
Retailer L branded value token to the user's e-wallet. In an
alternate embodiment, the e-wallet's electronic value token
exchange rules could have provided that the e-wallet query the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 regarding the best
available exchange rate for the electronic value tokens residing in
the e-wallet and make the exchange based on the best exchange rate
rather than the ranking of the electronic value tokens.
[0046] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary electronic value token
transaction processing system 100 in accordance with one
embodiment. As shown, the electronic value token transaction
processing system comprises: (a) at least one point of sale device
111; (b) an electronic wallet processing system, e.g., electronic
value token transaction computer 150; (c) a datastore 180
containing an electronic wallet unit 199 storing electronic value
tokens, e.g., 804, 827, 828, and 829, such as account numbers,
electronic wallet account information, value added award conditions
(herein "value added award" is synonymous with "value added bonus,"
"value added bonus award," "value added award bonus," and "value
differentiation"), and other information related to adding,
redeeming, and managing the electronic value tokens; (d) at least
one individual issuers' authorization system 160; and (e) any other
unit included in the system by the electronic value token
transaction computer administrator 151. In one embodiment, the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 comprises a value
added determination unit 153, a point-of-sale ("POS") interface
152, a message modification unit 154, a reconciliation unit 155, an
issuer system interface 156, an authorization unit 157, and a
sorting unit 198. In an embodiment, the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 (or a unit thereof such as sorting unit
189) further comprises token exchange interface, which may
communicate with electronic value token exchange program 2000. The
POS Interface 152 provides a means for the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 to communicate with the point of sale
device 111 via, for example, the Internet, a Public Switched
Telephone Network ("PSTN"), or an independent dedicated network.
Likewise, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may
communicate via issuer system interface 156 with the issuers'
authorization system 160 via, for example, the Internet, a Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or an independent dedicated
network. Communications 106, 107 between the POS interface 152 and
the point of sale device 111 and communications 109, 110 between
the issuer system interface 156 and the issuers' authorization
systems 160 may be encrypted for added security and/or may utilize
a virtual private network ("VPN"). The sorting unit 198 may sort
the communications into various types for routing in various ways.
For example, the sorting unit 198 may identify and sort electronic
wallet and/or sub-wallet requests (e.g., upon receipt of
authorization information with a transaction request, the sorting
unit 198 can route the requested transaction to a specific
electronic wallet maintained by the system and/or to a specific
sub-wallet or sub-wallets associated with an electronic wallet),
balance inquiry requests, registration requests, activation
requests, redemption requests, and management requests for routing
to the various units of FIG. 2A. The electronic value token
transaction computer 150 or sorting unit 198 may also generate
messages based on the requests for similar routing.
[0047] As can be seen in FIG. 2A, at the point of sale device 111
(typically located at a vendor and/or redeeming merchant or
retailer, but alternatively located at a kiosk 189 or at a user's
home or office where a personal computer is configured to act as a
point of sale, for example during an on-line transaction), the
authentication token is interpreted by a point of sale
interpretation unit 101 (e.g., a card reader). The point of sale
interpretation unit 101 can comprise a human, a bar code scanner,
magnetic strip reader, optical character recognition device,
biometric device, numerical keyboard (e.g., for entering a token
identification number) or other device configured to interrogate,
interpret, capture, or input the data encoded in or on the
authentication token.
[0048] About contemporaneously with (or, alternatively, prior or
subsequent to) the interpretation of the authentication token, a
request for an electronic wallet transaction by a point of sale
transaction unit 104 is made. The point of sale transaction unit
104 can comprise a human, an electronic input device, a register or
terminal, a computer processing unit ("CPU"), a personal computer,
a personal digital assistant (e.g., smart phone) or other means of
requesting or messaging interpreted by the point of sale
interpretation unit 101 and/or point of sale processing unit 105.
In some embodiments, the actions performed by the point of sale
interpretation unit 101 and the point of sale transaction unit 104
may be performed by one unit capable of performing both actions
that would be performed by the individual units, for example a
point of sale register/terminal or a personal computer during an
on-line, web-based transaction.
[0049] The point of sale interpretation unit 101 and the point of
sale transaction unit 104 communicate with the point of sale
processing unit 105. The point of sale processing unit 105 can
comprise a CPU or other type of processing device accepted for use
in the industry. The point of sale interpretation unit 101
communicates authentication information 102 to the point of sale
processing unit 105. The point of sale transaction unit 104
communicates the request 103 for an electronic wallet transaction
to the point of sale processing unit 105. The point of sale
processing unit 105 may combine this information to communicate
with the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (e.g.,
transmits a message requesting an electronic wallet transaction
along with the associated transaction and/or authentication data).
In an embodiment, the point of sale processing unit 105 stores
and/or receives from the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 (or a sub-administrator or unit associated therewith,
such as a sub-wallet administrator) a transaction format associated
with the POS retailer and/or associated with a given transaction
type and/or value token, and such transaction format may be used to
format the transaction request or message, to prompt the user for
further information, or for other data gathering or
transmit/receive features at the point of sale. For example, a user
making a purchase at a retailer operates a card reader. A card
reader may a display with an input device and a barcode reader or
magnetic strip scanner. The card reader may be touch sensitive and
may have various buttons used for input. Following the card reader
prompts, the user sees the options "Debit," "Credit," and
"E-Wallet." The user selects "E-Wallet." The user then sees the
options "Purchase," "Add Token," and "Delete Token." The user
selects "Purchase." Following additional prompts (which in an
embodiment relate to a transaction format specific to the
particular retailer of the point of sale), the user enters a PIN
number. In some embodiments, the actions performed by the point of
sale interpretation unit 101, the point of sale transaction unit
104, and the point of sale processing unit 105 may all be performed
by one unit (e.g., an integrated POS device such as a computerized
register) capable of performing all the actions that would be
performed by the individual units.
[0050] The point of sale processing unit 105 is connectable to the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 via a suitable
network, such as the Internet, the public switched telephone
network (PSTN), or an independent dedicated network. Each point of
sale processing unit 105 has an associated identifier (e.g., a
terminal identifier or serial number) that may be transmitted to
the electronic value token transaction computer 150 during the
course of connecting the point of sale processing unit 105 to the
electronic value token transaction computer 150. Each point of sale
processing unit 105 may include multiple point of sale transaction
units corresponding to individual terminals each with its own
terminal identification, for example present within a given store
location.
[0051] As depicted in FIG. 2A, the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 is configured to: (a) form a secure
connection with the retailer/merchant and/or vendor (e.g., via the
point of sale device 111, customer internet access, or kiosk 189),
the issuers' authorization systems 160, and any other entities 190
authorized to access the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 by the electronic value token transaction computer
administrator 151; (b) to communicate with issuers' authorization
systems 160 to request and receive redemption or addition of value
tokens into electronic wallets; (c) to communicate with issuers'
authorization systems 160 to redeem all or a portion of the
electronic value tokens associated with the electronic wallet; (d)
generate and maintain a transaction log 170 of all activities
performed; (e) generate and maintain an error log 175 of all
activities unsuccessfully completed and reasons therefore; (f)
communicate to the retailer/merchant and/or vendor (e.g., via the
POS unit 111) the redemption or addition of value tokens into
electronic wallets and any information concomitant with the
redemption or addition of value tokens into electronic wallets; and
(g) communicate to the retailer/merchant and/or vendor (e.g., via
the POS unit 111) any reasons why transactions cannot not be
completed.
[0052] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 may
comprise a singular processing unit (e.g., a centralized server), a
plurality of processing units (e.g., a distributed computing system
with various units distributed and in communication with each
other), or combinations thereof, with concomitant storage
capabilities, each capable of or designated for: accessing the
datastore 180; creating a transaction log 170; creating and
maintaining an error log 175; communicating with
retailers/merchants and/or vendors, e.g., at a point of sale,
including via the internet for on-line transactions; communicating
with the individual issuers' authorization systems 160; processing
individual value token and electronic wallet requests; processing
redemption requests; processing value added functions to add
additional cash value or add an electronic redemption coupon for a
specific product(s) or service(s); processing redemption request
for electronic redemption coupons for specific product(s) and/or
service(s); and communicating with other systems 190 capable of and
authorized to communicate with the electronic value token
transaction computer 150.
[0053] Datastore 180 maintains records of accounts associated with
each electronic wallet indicating: (a) whether each individual
value token has been added or redeemed, (b) whether the
authentication token has been registered, (c) records and details
of each individual redemption request, (d) the amount remaining on
the electronic value tokens, (e) rules required for redeeming the
electronic value tokens, (f) identity of the issuers of the
electronic value tokens, (f) value added bonus awards, (g) rules
for redeeming value added bonus awards, and (h) any combination
thereof. The datastore may also maintain records of rules required
for granting a value added bonus award to an electronic wallet or
value token.
[0054] Datastore 180 also maintains records associated with each
electronic wallet and/or sub-wallet indicating: (a) timing of, and
other information related to, registration activities; (b) timing
of, and other information related to, management activities; (c)
timing of, and other information related to, transaction
activities; (e) rules applicable; (f) identity of the issuers
electronic value tokens therein; (f) identity of sub-wallets
associated therewith; (h) any other records requested by issuers,
merchants, vendors, advertisers, users, or other interested
parties; and (i) any combination thereof. While a single datastore
180 is shown, it should be understood that a plurality of
datastores may be employed, and relevant data divided among the
datastores in any suitable manner to meet the various processes and
objectives described herein. Also, the various data may be
associated with one or more datastores closely coupled to and/or
located in proximity to one or more sub-units, sub-processors,
third party processors, and the like associated with the electronic
value token transaction computer 150, and such datastores
preferably have data used by such sub-units, sub-processors, and
third party processors.
[0055] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 is also
configured to generate and maintain a transaction log 170 of all
activity involving the electronic value token transaction computer
150. The transaction log may comprise a detailed summary of
transaction types such as: (a) requested value token additions; (b)
requested value token sales; (c) requested value token redemptions;
(d) requested value token exchanges; (e) the monetary amount
ascribed to value token additions; (f) the monetary amount ascribed
to value token redemptions; (g) the monetary value ascribed to
value token exchanges; (h) the value added amounts, products, or
services additions; (i) the value added amounts, products, or
services redemptions; (j) the time the electronic value tokens were
added; (k) the time the electronic value tokens were redeemed; (l)
the transaction or communication performed with the issuer for
adding value tokens; (m) the transaction or communication performed
with the issuer for redeeming value tokens; (n) the PIN
communicated to the vendor in response to a request to add a value
token requiring the input of a PIN for use; (o) e-wallet
registration; (p) e-wallet set-up activities; (q) e-wallet
transaction activities; (r) e-wallet savings activities; (s)
e-wallet management activities; (t) any other information the
electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151
directs the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to
maintain as a log entry; and (u) any combination thereof.
[0056] The information contained in the transaction log 170 may be
used for data mining purposes, e.g., to generate reconciliation
reports, settlement reports, payment reports, audit reports,
e-wallet registration reports, e-wallet management reports,
e-wallet usage reports, e-wallet savings reports, electronic value
token purchase reports, electronic value token redemption reports,
electronic value token exchange reports, electronic value token
sale reports, or other forms of information aggregation for the
benefit of, use by, or for provision to, the electronic value token
transaction administrator 151, the datastore administrator 181,
vendors, issuers, issuers' authorization systems 160, redeeming
merchants, or other interested parties. For example, the
transaction log 170 contains information about each transaction
performed by electronic value token transaction computer 150 (and
any sub-components thereof) and may be utilized by the
reconciliation unit 155 when reconciling accounts belonging to
various vendors, merchants, issuers and the electronic value token
transaction processing system administrator(s). Additional data
mining considerations that may be recorded, analyzed, and/or
provided interested parties (e.g., vendors, merchants, issuers,
advertisers, etc.) include data about: (i) the purchase habits of
e-wallet users; (ii) electronic value token purchases, sales,
redemptions, and exchanges; (iii), special offer and/or value added
activities; (iv) loyalty-related activities; and (v)
savings-related activities, all of which can be used for marketing,
inventory, and other purposes.
[0057] Oversight and maintenance of the electronic value token
transaction computer is performed by the electronic value token
transaction computer administrator 151. Although not required, in
an alternative embodiment, the electronic value token transaction
computer administrator 151 may also function as the datastore
administrator 181. The electronic value token transaction computer
150 is configured to generate and maintain an error log of all
transactions that were not completed and reasons therefore. In some
embodiments, the error log is administered by the electronic value
token transaction computer administrator 151.
[0058] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 is also
configured to communicate with other entities 190 authorized to
access the electronic value token transaction processing system and
specifically authorized to access the electronic value token
transaction computer 150. These other entities may comprise third
party payment management systems, third party audit systems, issuer
affiliated entities, vendor affiliated entities, redeeming
merchants or redeeming merchant affiliated entities, financial
institutions such as banks, credit card agencies, or credit unions,
or any other entity provided access by the electronic value token
transaction computer administrator 151 or other entity having
authority to grant access.
[0059] The transaction request from the point of sale device 111,
or other access point, associated with an e-wallet may contain one
or more of the following pieces of information: (a) authentication
information, (b) point of sale terminal identification, (c) amount
to be credited or debited, (d) the time of the request, (e) the
date of the request, (f) identification of the issuer, (g)
identification of the vendor, (h) location of vendor, (i)
identification of the product(s) and/or service(s) being purchased,
(j) an activation or deactivation request, (k) a wallet management
function such as addition of a value token, deletion of a value
token, exchange of a value token, changing management or processing
rules associated with one or more value tokens, partitioning a
wallet into sub-wallets or vice-versa, etc., (l) and any
combination thereof. However, the information contained within the
request is not limited to the enumerated list but may comprise
other items in addition to the items enumerated or in place of the
items enumerated above.
[0060] Upon receipt of the electronic wallet transaction request
from the point of sale, and identification and sorting as such by
the sorting unit 198, the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 accesses the electronic wallet unit of datastore 180.
The electronic value token transaction computer 150 processes the
information contained in the datastore 180 and communicates 109,
110 with the individual issuers' authorization systems 160 to
effectuate management of the electronic value tokens and
corresponding accounts. The message modification unit may adjust
the messages and requests so that multiple units,
sub-components/processors, or third-party administrators can
recognize and correctly interpret the messages. For example, after
the electronic value token transaction computer 150 determines the
individual issuers' authorization systems 160 associated with the
request, the message modification unit 154 accesses the database
180 to determine the appropriate transaction messaging formats for
each individual issuers' authorization systems 160 and then formats
the subsequent communications to said individual issuers'
authorization systems 160 using the individual issuers'
authorization systems 160 specified/preferred transaction format
and vocabulary. The electronic value token transaction computer's
150 communication with the individual issuers' authorization
systems 160 may occur simultaneously or independently. The
electronic value token transaction computer 150 is connectable to
the individual issuers' authorization systems as via a suitable
network, such as the PSTN, the Internet, or an independent
dedicated network. The electronic value token transaction computer
150 is configured to send and/or receive communication 110 from the
issuers' authorization systems 160 concerning the status of the
electronic value tokens.
[0061] The reconciliation unit 155 reconciles the accounts of
various issuers, selling vendors, and/or redeeming merchants, to
credit and debit appropriate merchants, vendors, the electronic
value token transaction processing system administrator, and
issuers with the value of various transactions to reflect which
entities received value from which other entities. For example, if
a vendor A sells a value token issued by issuer B for a specified
amount and receives payment from a user who adds the electronic
value token to the user's electronic wallet, the selling vendor
receives a percentage (e.g., retains a percentage) of the purchase
amount and/or a predetermined amount, the electronic value token
system administrator receives a percentage of the purchase amount
and/or predetermined amount for processing the transaction, and the
issuer receives the remainder. If a value token issued by issuer Y
is redeemed at merchant X to purchase items, then the amount
redeemed is debited to the issuer Y and credited to the merchant X,
sometimes minus a transaction fee collected by the issuer and/or a
transaction or processing fee collected by the electronic value
token transaction processing system administrator.
[0062] Authorization unit 157 is utilized when the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 is also the authorizing system such
that the electronic value token transaction computer 150 authorizes
electronic wallet requests rather than transmitting the request to
the issuers' authorization systems 160 for authorization. The
authorization unit 157 may perform the same and/or different
functions as described for authorization systems 160 and
vice-versa.
[0063] The authorization unit 157 will validate the formatting of
the e-wallet transaction request (e.g., primary or sub-wallet)
received from the POS processor 105 (or other transaction
originating device/component/processor). In other words, the
authorization unit 157 will check the data fields in the request to
confirm that the fields are populated with data and that the data
is in the correct format (e.g., length, alphanumeric format). If
the request is improperly formatted, the authorization unit 157
will reject the request, or in some embodiments may retrieve the
proper format (e.g., from a format database) and modify the
transaction request to comply with the proper format. The
authorization unit 157 also performs various validation checks on
the request. The authorization unit 157 verifies card-related
transaction information based on an analysis of several criteria,
such as: 1) determining that the UPC code for the product is
present in the datastore 180 (or other database such as an issuer's
database) for the electronic value token transaction processing
system 100; 2) determining that the value amount of the requested
transaction corresponds to the customer's payment for the subject
transaction request, e.g., whether the UPC information identifies
the card as a $25.00 card and that the corresponding transaction
request includes a $25.00 payment by the customer; 3) determining
that the UPC information identifies the card as being a type of
card available for processing by the requesting merchant; and 4)
determining that the Bank Identification Number ("BIN") of the card
(i.e., the first six digits of the card's identification number),
which identifies the card issuer, corresponds to the UPC
information identifying the card issuer.
[0064] The authorization unit 157 may also verify transactions
based on other criteria such as transaction velocity (number/amount
per unit time). For example, if a card processor is concerned that
multiple void transactions are indicative of fraudulent activity,
the card processor could ask that the electronic value token
transaction processing system 100 monitor the number of void
transactions requested and reject transactions from terminals that
exceed a pre-selected amount of void transactions per unit time.
Lastly, the authorization unit 157 may be configured to reject
transaction requests in the event that the information received by
the authorization unit 157 is unintelligible.
[0065] If the request is properly formatted and is validated as
described above, the electronic value token transaction computer
150 may transmit details of transactions to the issuers'
authorization systems rather than authorization requests. Also, in
some embodiments, the issuer, the authorizing system (e.g.,
authorization unit 157), and the transaction computer are part of
the same entity and, in such an embodiment, there would be no
issuers' authorization systems 160 or the issuers' authorization
systems 160 would be under common control with the other units of
the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (for example, a
commonly owned and operated computing system, that may be
centralized (e.g., part of a centralized data center) and/or
distributed within a commonly owned or controlled system or
network). Furthermore, it should be noted that although units
associated with the electronic value token transaction computer 150
(e.g., units 152-157) are depicted as various units within a single
data processing system for illustration and conceptual purposes,
one or more of units 152-157 could be implemented on separate
computers, systems, or servers in a distributed data processing
environment.
[0066] An exemplary process utilized by an electronic value token
transaction computer 150 for facilitating a purchase using an
electronic wallet in accordance with a primary e-wallet transaction
processing embodiment is depicted in FIG. 4A. Such an embodiment
may be exemplified by the e-wallet transaction processing request
being both initially received by and subsequently performed by the
electronic value token transaction processing system 100. The
actions depicted can be performed in the order shown or in a
different order, and two or more of the actions can be performed in
parallel.
[0067] In block 302, the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 receives a request or multiple requests from a point
of sale terminal. In at least one embodiment the requests may
comprise an electronic wallet transaction request, a balance
inquiry request, a registration request, an activation request, or
a redemption request, a wallet management request, and contains one
or more of the following: (a) identity of the terminal, (b)
authentication information, (c) the amount of the purchase, (d) the
identity of the electronic value token issuer, (e) the identity of
the vendor, (f) the identity of the location, (g) the time of the
request, (h) the date of the request, (i) information expressly
identifying the request as an e-wallet transaction request (e.g.,
transaction type data); (j) information identifying a primary
e-wallet, sub-wallet(s), or a combination thereof; (k) any other
transaction and/or authentication data described herein; and (l)
any combination thereof. The request at block 302 may comprise
other information, requests or functions, for example of the types
described herein, in addition to or in place of the above
enumerated items. In at least one embodiment, the authentication
information is based on an authentication token selected from the
group consisting of proxy card and cellular phone. Using the
identity of the electronic value token issuer, transactions may be
correctly formatted for communication with the electronic value
token issuer.
[0068] Using information contained within the electronic wallet
transaction received from the point of sale device 111 and/or from
information obtained from datastore 180, in block 304, the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 determines whether
the request is an electronic wallet request containing valid
authentication information and whether the request is for
redemption of a value token(s), addition of a value token(s),
deletion of a value token(s), or management of the electronic
wallet. The electronic wallet request may comprise a bank
identification number ("BIN") located on the proxy card as part of
the authentication information. The sorting unit may decode the BIN
number or otherwise verify that the request is an electronic wallet
request.
[0069] Using information contained within the electronic wallet
transaction received from the point of sale device 111 and/or from
information obtained from datastore 180, in block 324, the
electronic value token transaction computer 150
identifies/determines the primary e-wallet, sub-wallet(s), and/or
locations of said e-wallet or sub-wallet(s) indicated/necessary to
effectuate the received e-wallet transaction request. If the
authorization information received indicates the requested e-wallet
transaction involves a primary e-wallet, sub-wallet, or
combinations thereof maintained by the electronic value token
transaction computer 150, the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 may (i) apply its own logic to the request; (ii) apply
rules stored in a primary wallet (e.g., rules established by the
electronic value token transaction processing system administrator,
the primary e-wallet user, or a combination thereof); (iii) apply
rules stored in a sub-wallet (e.g., rules established by the
electronic value token transaction processing system administrator,
the sub-wallet user, or a combination thereof) (iv) apply rules
received with the request from the point of sale 111 (e.g.,
contemporaneous rules submitted with the request by the user of the
primary e-wallet/sub-wallet); (v) or any combination thereof.
[0070] For example, an embodiment may include the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 determining that the entire request
is related to value tokens contained in a primary e-wallet. Upon
receipt of the request, the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 will query its authorization unit 157 (as described
more fully herein), its datastore 180, the E-Wallet unit 199, and
any other necessary unit to determine whether the primary e-wallet
comprises value tokens capable of meeting the subject request
(e.g., whether the primary e-wallet contains value tokens
associated with vendors, merchants, and/or issuers related to the
requested transaction). Such determination may be performed by
comparing electronic value token identifications, user IDs,
requested transaction types. The electronic value token transaction
computer 150 will subsequently evaluate the manner in which the
electronic value tokens available in the primary e-wallet
corresponding to the request will be applied under the primary
e-wallet's rules and/or rules received with the request, and
perform or refuse to perform the requested transaction and/or
transactions.
[0071] Another embodiment may include the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 determining that the entire request is
related to value tokens contained in a sub-wallet. Upon receipt of
the request, the electronic value token transaction computer 150
will query its authorization unit 157 (as described more fully
herein), its datastore 180, the E-Wallet unit 199, and any other
necessary unit to determine whether the sub-wallet comprises value
tokens capable of meeting the subject request (e.g., whether the
sub-wallet contains value tokens associated with vendors,
merchants, and/or issuers related to the requested transaction).
Such determination may be performed by comparing electronic value
token identifications, user IDs, requested transaction types. The
electronic value token transaction computer 150 will subsequently
evaluate the manner in which the electronic value tokens available
in the sub-wallet corresponding to the request will be applied
under the sub-wallet's rules and/or rules received with the
request, and perform or refuse to perform the requested transaction
and/or transactions.
[0072] In another example, an embodiment may include the electronic
value token transaction computer 150 determining that a portion of
the entire transaction request is related to electronic value
tokens residing in a primary e-wallet while a portion of the
transaction request is related to electronic value tokens residing
in a sub-wallet(s). Such determination may be made by evaluating
the requested transaction type, the electronic value token
identification, or any other methods for determining transaction
allocation. The electronic value token transaction computer 150
will evaluate the manner in which the electronic value tokens
available in the primary e-wallet corresponding to the request will
be applied under the primary e-wallet's rules (as those rule may
affect payment methods to be employed which are located in the
primary e-wallet), the electronic value token transaction computer
150 will evaluate the manner in which the electronic value tokens
available in any applicable sub-wallet corresponding to the request
will be applied under such sub-wallet's rules and/or rules received
with the request, and perform or refuse to perform the requested
transaction and/or transactions.
[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, at block 324, the electronic
value token transaction computer 150 may identify, in response to a
received transaction request, one or more value tokens in a primary
e-wallet and one or more electronic value tokens in a sub-wallet
that, when used together, will cover the entirety of the requested
e-wallet transaction. Moreover, one of the electronic value tokens
located in the primary e-wallet or sub-wallet may be an electronic
representation of a loyalty card and another electronic value token
located in either the same or different location of said loyalty
card value token may be an electronic representation of a
retailer's gift card. In such an example, the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 can effectuate the coincidental use
of the "loyalty card" token and the "retailer's gift card" token,
regardless of the tokens' locations in the primary e-wallet and/or
sub-wallet(s) to allow for an enhanced user benefit as opposed to
not coincidentally applying the value of the "retailer's gift card"
token and the "loyalty card" token for the transaction, e.g., a 5%
increase in the value of the "retailer's gift card" token or
loyalty point bonus applied to the "loyalty card" token for the use
of the "retailer's gift card" token.
[0074] A value token may be associated with a closed loop account
or open loop account. A closed loop account typically expires after
the funds in the account have been depleted, e.g. a gift card
account. An open loop account does not typically expire. Rather,
there is typically an ongoing obligation for various entities to
credit and debit the account, e.g. a branded credit card account or
debit card account such as Visa or Mastercard. Closed loop accounts
are often associated directly with retailers while open loop
accounts are often associated with financial institutions (e.g.,
Chase or Citi issued Visa). In at least one embodiment, the
electronic value tokens comprise closed loop account numbers and
open loop account numbers. The closed loop account numbers are
associated with retailers able to debit or credit closed loop
accounts associated with the closed loop account number. The open
loop account numbers are associated with financial institutions
able to debit or credit open loop accounts associated with the open
loop account numbers. The electronic value token may have an
expiration date or specified dates of use that are different from
any other value tokens. Furthermore, the electronic value tokens
may identify specific merchants, locations, and/or products with
which the electronic value tokens may be utilized.
[0075] If the request is for value token addition, then in block
306, the electronic wallet is created (if not already created) and
the electronic value token is added to the electronic wallet. The
following Tables include elements, parameters, and information
included in e-wallet transaction communications and used by the
electronic value token transaction processing system 100 to
facilitate and effectuate e-wallet transactions.
[0076] Table 1A illustrates request parameters requested to create
a wallet in at least one embodiment. Table 1B illustrates response
parameters requested to create a wallet in at least one
embodiment.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1A Request Parameters Data Suggested Element
Type Length Description accounttype String 200 Account Type loadamt
decimal N/A Amount to be loaded into the wallet account
loadamtcurrency string 3 Denomination Type. txn-uniqueidentifier
string 12 Unique transaction id.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1B Response Parameters Element Data Type
Description accountid string Unique identifier for a account
accounttype string Type of the account. currency string
Denomination Type. balance decimal Balance available in the account
uniqueidentifier string (numeric) The unique identifier identifies
a transaction. code string The Status of the requested transaction.
description string The Status description of the requested
transaction.
[0077] The electronic value token transaction computer 150
preferably allocates memory for the electronic wallet and value
token(s) and associates the account number with the electronic
wallet and/or authentication information stored in the electronic
wallet unit 199 by storing the pieces of information in a data
structure on the datastore 180. Table 2 illustrates the parameters
for a gift card value token in at least one embodiment.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Suggested Element and Description Data Type
Length statusinfo.status.code String 7
statusinfo.status.description String 500 card.retailer.id Integer
String 11 card.retailer.name String 100 card.number String 50
card.securitycode String 50 card.expirydate Integer String 6
card.activationdate Date String 20 card.initialbalance Decimal
String 10 card.currentbalance Decimal String 10
card.currentbalanceasof Date String 20 card.customerservice. String
20 phone card.customerservice. String 256 website card.currency
String 3
[0078] Table 3 illustrates more detailed parameters for a gift card
electronic value token in an alternative embodiment, including the
designation of associated wallet(s) and/or sub-wallet(s).
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Suggested Element and Description Data Type
Length card.retailer.id Integer String 11 card.retailer.name String
100 card.number String 50 card.securitycode String 50
card.expirydate Integer String 6 card.registeredto String 10
card.activationdate Date String 20 card.initialbalance Decimal
String 10 card.islookedupinitialbalance String 1
card.currentbalance Decimal String 10 card.islookedupcurrentbalance
String 1 card.customerservice. String 20 phone
card.customerservice. String 256 website card.notes String 500
card.nickname String 100 card.currency String 3 card.user.firstname
String 50 card.user.lastname String 50 card.user.address.line1
String 50 card.user.address.line2 String 50 card.user.address.city
String 50 card.user.address.state String 50 card.user.address.zip
String 5 card.user.phone.number String 10 card.user.email.address
String 128 card.additionalinfo1 String 300 card.additionalinfo2
String 300 card.additionalinfo3 String 300 wallet.id Integer String
10 Collection of folders wallet.folder.1.id Integer String 10
wallet.folder.1.name String 100 wallet.folder.2.id Integer String
10 wallet.folder.2.name String 100 [. . . More folders]
[0079] The request, however, may be modified for other reasons
unrelated to the add token decision and forwarded to the
appropriate one of the issuers' authorization systems 160 as part
of the reconciliation process, for example the request could
concern redemption, deletion, reloading value, added value, balance
inquiry, or a combination thereof, each of which would be
communicated to the issuers' authorization systems 160 for
reconciliation.
[0080] Table 4 illustrates formatting for authentication
communication.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Element and Description Data Type
client_ref_id String signature String timestamp String(in the
format yyMMddHHmmssSSSz) nonce String encryption_type String
usertoken String uuid String user_ip String channel String
[0081] Each request is authenticated using the signature, a user is
authenticated with username/password or open id, the session is
validated using the user token. A client may send client_ref_id,
timestamp, nonce, encryption_type, channel, user_ip, signature,
optionally usertoken with each request to be able to validate each
message.
[0082] Table 5 illustrates the parameters used to retrieve a user's
wallet.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Element Data Type Description accountid
string Unique identifier for a account accounttype string Type of
the account. currency string Denomination Type. balance decimal
Balance available in the account code string The Status of the
requested transaction. description string The Status description of
the requested transaction.
[0083] Table 6A illustrates the request parameters used to redeem
value from a token in the wallet.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6A Request Parameters Suggested Element Data
Type Length Description accountid String 100 Unique identifier for
the account redamt decimal N/A Amount to redeem from the account
redamtcurrency string 3 Amount Type. txn- string 12 Unique
transaction id. uniqueidentifier txn- bool N/A 0, if it is not a
reversal of any istimeoutreversal transaction type 1, if it is a
reversal transaction.
[0084] Table 6B illustrates the response parameters used to redeem
value from a token in the wallet.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 6B Response Parameters Suggested Element Data
Type Length Description accountid string 100 Unique identifier for
a account accounttype string 50 Type of the account. currency
string 3 Denomination Type. balance decimal N/A Balance available
in the account uniqueidentifier string 12 Unique identifier for the
transaction. code string 7 The Status of the requested transaction.
description string 500 The Status description of the requested
transaction.
[0085] Table 7A illustrates the request parameters used to load a
value token into the wallet.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 7A Request Parameters Suggested Element Data
Type Length Description accountid string 100 Unique identifier for
a account amount decimal N/A Amount to load on the account
amountcurrency string 3 Amount Type. txn- bool N/A 0, if it is not
a reversal of any istimeoutreversal transaction type 1, if it is a
reversal transaction. txn- string 12 Unique transaction id.
uniqueidentifier
[0086] Table 7B illustrates the response parameters used to load a
value token into the wallet.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 7B Response Parameters Suggested Element Data
Type Length Description accountid string 100 Unique identifier for
a account accounttype string 50 Type of the account. balance
decimal N/A Balance available in the account uniqueidentifier
string (numeric 12 Unique identifier for values [0-9] only) the
transaction. code string 7 The Status of the requested transaction.
description string 500 The Status description of the requested
transaction. currency string 3 Denomination Type.
[0087] If the request is for value token redemption, then in block
308, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 accesses
the electronic wallet previously determined to be associated with
the authentication information and examines the rules associated
with the electronic wallet. In at least one embodiment, examining
the rules comprises examining priorities of value tokens
configurable by the user. For example, the user may prefer to use
any closed loop value tokens corresponding to the retailer
originating the purchase request. If none is found or if the token
will not cover the purchase, then the user may prefer to use an
open loop value token for the remainder. As a result of these
preferences, the closed loop value tokens may all have higher
priority than the open loop value tokens. Among the open loop value
tokens, one may have priority over another. For example, the user
prefers to pay for any remainder with a credit card rather than a
debit card. In at least one embodiment, the user may configure
these rules via the Internet or mobile application and save the
priorities as default preferences. In an alternative embodiment,
the user selects the electronic value tokens to apply to the
electronic wallet request at the POS device, for example at a
vendor or retailer location such as a check-out lane, customer
service counter, or kiosk. As such, selecting the electronic value
tokens comprises selecting value tokens with the highest priority
that, when used together, will cover the purchase amount. As can be
seen in the example, one purchase transaction has been split into
two redemptions without compromising efficiency of the purchase.
Similarly, one or more electronic wallet transactions can be split
into two or more transactions without compromising efficiency. In
an embodiment, at least one of the electronic value tokens is
associated with a closed loop prepaid account (e.g., an electronic
prepaid, gift, or stored value card) and the rules associated with
a primary wallet invoke a sub-transaction processed by a third
party administrator associated with a sub-wallet.
[0088] In at least one embodiment, examining the rules comprises
examining percentages of the electronic wallet request to which
different value tokens should be applied and wherein applying the
electronic value tokens comprises applying the electronic value
tokens to the electronic wallet request in according to the
percentages. In block 310, the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 then selects, based on the rules, value tokens in the
electronic wallet that, when used together, will cover the
electronic wallet request. For example, the user may configure the
rules such that each purchase is split evenly between two credit
cards. As such, selecting the electronic value tokens comprises
selecting two open loop tokens between which to split the purchase
amount. Similar to the above example, efficiency is preserved
because where a single authorization token (e.g., only the proxy
card or a mobile device) was used at the point of sale, not the two
credit cards corresponding to the electronic value tokens. Other
rules can be implemented, and the rules can be used in various
combinations and permutations with each other. The electronic value
token transaction processing system can also implement "if-then"
rules based on the information transmitted in the electronic wallet
request. For example, a purchase at a gas station can result in a
gas credit card value token selection, and the like. In such am
embodiment, the electronic value token computer 150 may query the
rule(s) 802, 817, 818, and 819 of the subject e-wallet 10 and/or
sub-wallets 807 (e.g., for credit card-type electronic value
tokens), 808 (e.g., for debit card-type electronic value tokens),
and 809 (e.g., for stored value-type electronic value tokens) and
determine, based on transaction request information which includes
a transaction type, e.g., purchase at a gas station, that rule(s)
established for the subject e-wallet 10 and/or sub-wallets 807,
808, and 809 require that the transaction type request be first
satisfied with a first electronic value token type, e.g. a gas
card-related electronic value token 829, and upon the occasion that
the subject e-wallet 10 and/or sub-wallet(s) 807, 808, and 809 do
not comprise a sufficient amount of the first value token type to
satisfy the entire transaction request, the electronic value token
computer 150 may satisfy the remainder of the transaction request
with a second electronic value token type, e.g., a debit
card-related electronic value token 828.
[0089] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 also
applies the electronic value tokens to the electronic wallet
request. In applying the electronic value tokens to the request,
the electronic value token transaction computer 150 can generate
and send debit and credit messages to be performed on the accounts
administered by the retailers and financial institutions using the
appropriate account numbers, or the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 can credit or debit the accounts directly
if the electronic value token transaction computer has such
administrative authority.
[0090] In at least one embodiment, the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 modifies the request (e.g., applies a
required format) and forwards the modified request to the
appropriate one of the issuers' authorization systems 160, which
receives the modified request and acts upon same, for example
authorizing and/or processing the request to redeem the electronic
value token and updating a datastore accordingly. The authorization
system 160 is not at the same location from where the electronic
wallet request was received in at least one embodiment. For
example, if the electronic wallet request was received from a
retail store, the authorization system may be owned and operated by
the retailer, but will not be at the retail store. Rather, the
authorization system may be located at a data center for example.
As such, neither the retail store nor the retailer in general need
be aware of some or all the contents of the wallet. In at least one
embodiment, the retail store is unaware of even the presence of the
electronic wallet, as it merely recognizes that some transaction
authorizing action has been communicated to its point of sale
(e.g., swipe of a proxy card, digital personal assistant
interaction with point of sale device, entry of a PIN at a keypad
at point of sale, or other authorizing activity). In other words,
access and use of the e-wallet at the point of sale is seamless and
does not require any special or custom actions in order to process
the transaction in comparison to traditional physical tender. The
issuers' authorization systems 160 sends a response message back to
the electronic value token transaction computer 150. In an
alternative embodiment where the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 performs the functions of the issuers' authorization
systems 160, the method may proceed directly from block 306 or 310
to block 314.
[0091] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 receives
the confirmation message from the appropriate one of the issuers'
authorization systems 160 in block 312. At block 314, the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 updates electronic
wallet in the electronic wallet unit 199 and datastore 180 to
reflect that the electronic wallet is activated and to reflect any
debit, credit, addition, or deletion to/of the electronic value
token(s). FIGS. 6A-D illustrate a series of user interface screens
and prompts in at least one embodiment. For example, the user may
see the illustrated prompts when managing the user's electronic
wallet via a computer connected to the Internet, and/or kiosk
189.
[0092] A transaction log 170 may be updated by the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 in block 316 to record the details
about the transaction. The details recorded in the transaction log
may include (a) the type, time and date of the transaction, (b)
whether the electronic wallet was activated, (c) the reason
electronic wallet was not activated if the request was denied, (d)
the credit, debit, addition, or deletion to/of the electronic value
token(s), (e) a change in rules associated with the electronic
value token(s), (f) the identity of the vendor, (g) the identity of
the issuer, (h) the location of the vendor, (i) the identity of the
terminal adding the electronic value token, (j) the identity of the
entity granting the electronic value token, and (k) any combination
thereof. The transaction log may include other information (e.g.,
transaction and/or authentication data) in addition to or in place
of the items enumerated above.
[0093] The electronic value token transaction computer 150, in
block 318, then forwards the confirmation message to the point of
sale device 111. The electronic value token transaction computer
150, prior to forwarding the confirmation message to the point of
sale device 111, may modify the confirmation message, for example
as necessary to include information that may be printed on a
receipt for the customer and/or presented on a display to the store
clerk operating the point of sale device 111. At block 320, the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 reconciles the
accounts of the various vendors, merchants, issuers, the electronic
value token transaction processing system administrator, and other
entities involved with issuing, selling, redeeming, and marketing
the electronic value tokens to debit and credit appropriate
accounts and, in some embodiments, initiates funds transfers
between appropriate bank accounts belonging to the various
entities. Alternatively, reconciliation of accounts may be
performed periodically (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) rather
than after each transaction. In such an embodiment, the information
from the transaction log 170 may be utilized to reconcile the
various entities involved with the sale or redemption of various
value tokens thus requiring fewer funds transfers to be initiated.
In an embodiment, information in transaction log 170 is used to
match transactions and the like. For example, grouping all
transactions from a given location or a given merchant, or grouping
transaction types (e.g., credit, debit, etc.). In various
embodiments, the sequence of events depicted in may be varied, and
thus may be carried out in any desired order, sequentially or
simultaneously.
[0094] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary electronic value token
transaction processing system 1100 in accordance with an embodiment
wherein the electronic wallet processing system comprises the
electronic value token transaction computer 150, functioning as an
electronic sub-wallet transaction processor, integrated with a
primary electronic wallet transaction processor such as depicted by
E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000. E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000
may be further understood to have the same functionalities,
capabilities, database access, networked connections, and operative
components as the herein described electronic value token
transaction computer 150, and in some embodiments an electronic
value token transaction computer 150 and its associated components
(e.g., electronic value token transaction processing system 100)
may serve as, or be substituted for, the E-Wallet Aggregator System
1000. In an embodiment, the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 may be
controlled, maintained, operated, owned, and/or otherwise managed
by a common entity or entities which control, maintain, operate,
own, and/or otherwise manage the electronic value token transaction
computer 150. i.e., the primary electronic wallet transaction
processor and the electronic sub-wallet transaction processor share
a common controller, maintainer, operator, owner, and/or manager.
In an embodiment, the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 may be
controlled, maintained, operated, owned, and/or otherwise managed
by an entity or entities that are separate, distinct, and/or
unrelated to the entity and/or entities which control, maintain,
operate, own, and/or otherwise manage the electronic value token
transaction computer 150, i.e, the primary electronic transaction
processor and the electronic sub-wallet transaction processor do
not share a common controller, maintainer, operator, owner, and/or
manager. As shown, when functioning in an electronic sub-wallet
transaction processing capacity, the electronic value token
transaction processing system 1100 comprises: (a) an electronic
value token transaction computer 150; (b) an E-Wallet Aggregator
System interface 1052; (c) a datastore 180 containing an electronic
wallet unit 199 storing electronic value tokens, e.g., 804, 827,
828, and 829, such as account numbers, electronic wallet account
information, value added award conditions (herein "value added
award" is synonymous with "value added bonus," "value added bonus
award," "value added award bonus," and "value differentiation"),
and other information related to adding, redeeming, and managing
the electronic value tokens, as described in detail herein; (d) at
least one individual issuers' authorization system 160; and (e) any
other unit included in the system by the electronic value token
transaction computer administrator 151. In one embodiment, the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 comprises a value
added determination unit 153, an E-Wallet Aggregator System
interface 1052, a message modification unit 154, a reconciliation
unit 155, an issuer system interface 156, an authorization unit
157, and a sorting unit 198. The E-Wallet Aggregator System
interface 1052 provides a means for the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 to communicate with the E-Wallet
Aggregator System 1000 via, for example, the Internet, a Public
Switched Telephone Network ("PSTN"), or an independent dedicated
network Likewise, the electronic value token transaction computer
150 may communicate via issuer system interface 156 with the
issuers' authorization system 160 via, for example, the Internet, a
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or an independent
dedicated network. Communications 116, 117 between the E-Wallet
Aggregator System interface 1052 and the E-Wallet Aggregator System
1000 and communications 109, 110 between the issuer system
interface 156 and the issuers' authorization systems 160 may be
encrypted for added security and/or may utilize a virtual private
network ("VPN"). The sorting unit 198 may sort the communications
into various types for routing in various ways. For example, the
sorting unit 198 may identify and sort sub-wallet requests (e.g.,
upon receipt of authorization information with a transaction
request, the sorting unit 198 can route the requested transaction
to a specific electronic sub-wallet maintained by the system and/or
to a specific section or sections maintained within the electronic
sub-wallet), balance inquiry requests, registration requests,
activation requests, redemption requests, and management requests
for routing to the various units of FIG. 2B. The electronic value
token transaction computer 150 or sorting unit 198 may also
generate messages based on the requests for similar routing.
[0095] As can be seen in FIG. 2B, at the point of sale device 111
(typically located at a vendor and/or redeeming merchant or
retailer, but alternatively located at a kiosk 189 or at a user's
home or office where a personal computer is configured to act as a
point of sale, for example during an on-line transaction), the
authentication token is interpreted by a point of sale
interpretation unit 101 (e.g., a card reader). The point of sale
interpretation unit 101 can comprise a human, a bar code scanner,
magnetic strip reader, optical character recognition device,
biometric device, numerical keyboard (e.g., for entering a token
identification number) or other device configured to interrogate,
interpret, capture, or input the data encoded in or on the
authentication token.
[0096] About contemporaneously with (or, alternatively, prior or
subsequent to) the interpretation of the authentication token, a
request for an electronic wallet transaction by a point of sale
transaction unit 104 is made. The point of sale transaction unit
104 can comprise a human, an electronic input device, a register or
terminal, a computer processing unit ("CPU"), a personal computer,
a personal digital assistant, smart phone, or other means of
requesting or messaging interpreted by the point of sale
interpretation unit 101 and/or point of sale processing unit 105.
In some embodiments, the actions performed by the point of sale
interpretation unit 101 and the point of sale transaction unit 104
may be performed by one unit capable of performing both actions
that would be performed by the individual units, for example a
point of sale register/terminal or a personal computer during an
on-line, web-based transaction.
[0097] The point of sale interpretation unit 101 and the point of
sale transaction unit 104 communicate with the point of sale
processing unit 105. The point of sale processing unit 105 can
comprise a CPU or other type of processing device accepted for use
in the industry. The point of sale interpretation unit 101
communicates authentication information 102 to the point of sale
processing unit 105. The point of sale transaction unit 104
communicates the request 103 for an electronic wallet transaction
to the point of sale processing unit 105. The point of sale
processing unit 105 may combine this information to communicate
with the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 (e.g., transmits a message
requesting an electronic wallet transaction along with the
associated transaction and/or authentication data). In an
embodiment, the point of sale processing unit 105 stores and/or
receives from the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 (or a
sub-administrator or unit associated therewith, such as a
sub-wallet administrator, e.g., electronic value token transaction
computer 150) a transaction format associated with the POS retailer
and/or associated with a given transaction type and/or value token,
and such transaction format may be used to format the transaction
request or message, to prompt the user for further information, or
for other data gathering or transmit/receive features at the point
of sale. For example, a user making a purchase at a retailer
operates a card reader. A card reader may a display with an input
device and a barcode reader or magnetic strip scanner. The card
reader may be touch sensitive and may have various buttons used for
input. Following the card reader prompts, the user sees the options
"Debit," "Credit," and "E-Wallet." The user selects "E-Wallet." The
user then sees the options "Purchase," "Add Token," and "Delete
Token." The user selects "Purchase." Following additional prompts
(which in an embodiment relate to a transaction format specific to
the particular retailer of the point of sale), the user enters a
PIN number. In some embodiments, the actions performed by the point
of sale interpretation unit 101, the point of sale transaction unit
104, and the point of sale processing unit 105 may all be performed
by one unit (e.g., an integrated POS device such as a computerized
register) capable of performing all the actions that would be
performed by the individual units.
[0098] The point of sale processing unit 105 is connectable to the
E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 via a suitable network, such as the
Internet, the public switched telephone network (PSTN), or an
independent dedicated network. Each point of sale processing unit
105 has an associated identifier (e.g., a terminal identifier or
serial number) that may be transmitted to the E-Wallet Aggregator
System 1000 during the course of connecting the point of sale
processing unit 105 to the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000. Each
point of sale processing unit 105 may include multiple point of
sale transaction units corresponding to individual terminals each
with its own terminal identification, for example present within a
given store location.
[0099] As depicted in FIG. 2B, the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000
is configured to: (a) form a secure connection with the
retailer/merchant and/or vendor (e.g., via the point of sale device
111), the electronic value token transaction computer 150, and the
issuers' authorization systems 160; (b) to communicate with
issuers' authorization systems 160 to request and receive
redemption or addition of value tokens into electronic wallets; (c)
to communicate with issuers' authorization systems 160 to redeem
all or a portion of the electronic value tokens associated with the
electronic wallet; (d) communicate with the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 to facilitate transactions concerning
value tokens residing in an electronic sub-wallet maintained by the
electronic value token transaction processing system 1100; (e)
communicate to the retailer/merchant and/or vendor (e.g., via the
POS unit 111) the redemption or addition of value tokens into
electronic wallets and any information concomitant with the
redemption or addition of value tokens into electronic wallets
and/or sub-wallets; and (f) communicate to the retailer/merchant
and/or vendor (e.g., via the POS unit 111) any reasons why
transactions cannot not be completed.
[0100] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 may
comprise a singular processing unit (e.g., a centralized server), a
plurality of processing units (e.g., a distributed computing system
with various units distributed and in communication with each
other), or combinations thereof, with concomitant storage
capabilities, each capable of or designated for: accessing the
datastore 180; creating a transaction log 170; creating and
maintaining an error log 175; communicating with the E-Wallet
Aggregator System 1000; communicating with the individual issuers'
authorization systems 160; processing individual value token and
electronic wallet requests; processing redemption requests,
processing value added functions to add additional cash value or
add an electronic redemption coupon for a specific product(s) or
service(s), processing redemption request for electronic redemption
coupons for specific product(s) and/or service(s), and
communicating with other systems 190 capable of and authorized to
communicate with the electronic value token transaction computer
150.
[0101] Datastore 180 maintains records of accounts associated with
each electronic sub-wallet indicating: (a) whether each individual
value token has been added or redeemed, (b) whether an
authentication token for an individual value token has been
registered, (c) records and details of each individual redemption
request, (d) the amount remaining on the electronic value tokens,
(e) rules required for redeeming the electronic value tokens, (f)
identity of the issuers of the electronic value tokens, (g) value
added bonus awards, (h) rules for redeeming value added bonus
awards, and (i) any combination thereof. The datastore may also
maintain records of rules required for granting a value added bonus
award to an electronic wallet or value token.
[0102] Datastore 180 also maintains records associated with each
electronic wallet and/or sub-wallet indicating: (a) timing of, and
other information related to, registration activities; (b) timing
of, and other information related to, management activities; (c)
timing of, and other information related to, transaction
activities; (d) rules applicable; (e) identity of the issuers
electronic value tokens therein; (f) identity of sub-wallets
associated therewith; (g) any other records requested by issuers,
merchants, vendors, advertisers, users, or other interested
parties; and (h) any combination thereof. While a single datastore
180 is shown, it should be understood that a plurality of
datastores may be employed, and relevant data divided among the
datastores in any suitable manner to meet the various processes and
objectives described herein. Also, the various data may be
associated with one or more datastores closely coupled to and/or
located in proximity to one or more sub-units, sub-processors,
third party processors, and the like associated with the electronic
value token transaction computer 150, and such datastores
preferably have data used by such sub-units, sub-processors, and
third party processors.
[0103] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 is also
configured to generate and maintain a transaction log 170 of all
activity involving the electronic value token transaction computer
150. The transaction log may comprise a detailed summary of
transaction types such as: (a) requested value token additions; (b)
requested value token sales; (c) requested value token redemptions;
(d) requested value token exchanges; (e) the monetary amount
ascribed to value token additions; (f) the monetary amount ascribed
to value token redemptions; (g) the monetary value ascribed to
value token exchanges; (h) the value added amounts, products, or
services additions; (i) the value added amounts, products, or
services redemptions; (j) the time the electronic value tokens were
added; (k) the time the electronic value tokens were redeemed; (l)
the transaction or communication performed with the issuer for
adding value tokens; (m) the transaction or communication performed
with the issuer for redeeming value tokens; (n) the PIN
communicated to the vendor in response to a request to add a value
token requiring the input of a PIN for use; (o) e-wallet
registration; (p) e-wallet set-up activities; (q) e-wallet
transaction activities; (r) e-wallet savings activities; (s)
e-wallet management activities; (t) any other information the
electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151
directs the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to
maintain as a log entry; and (u) any combination thereof.
[0104] The information contained in the transaction log 170 may be
used for data mining purposes, e.g., to generate reconciliation
reports, settlement reports, payment reports, audit reports,
e-wallet registration reports, e-wallet management reports,
e-wallet usage reports, e-wallet savings reports, electronic value
token purchase reports, electronic value token redemption reports,
electronic value token exchange reports, electronic value token
sale reports, or other forms of information aggregation for the
benefit of, use by, or for provision to, the electronic value token
transaction administrator 151, the datastore administrator 181, the
E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 (e.g., for communication to vendors
or other purposes), vendors, issuers, issuers' authorization
systems 160, redeeming merchants, or other interested parties. For
example, the transaction log 170 contains information about each
transaction performed by electronic value token transaction
computer 150 (and any sub-components thereof) and may be utilized
by the reconciliation unit 155 when reconciling accounts belonging
to various E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 associated vendors,
merchants, issuers, as well as vendors, merchants, and issuers not
associated with the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000, and also the
electronic value token transaction processing system administrator
151. Additional data mining considerations that may be recorded,
analyzed, and/or provided interested parties (e.g., vendors,
merchants, issuers, advertisers, etc.) include data about: (i) the
purchase habits of e-wallet users; (ii) electronic value token
purchases, sales, redemptions, and exchanges; (iii), special offer
and/or value added activities; (iv) loyalty-related activities; and
(v) savings-related activities, all of which can be used for
marketing, inventory, and other purposes.
[0105] Oversight and maintenance of the electronic value token
transaction computer is performed by the electronic value token
transaction computer administrator 151. Although not required, in
an alternative embodiment, the electronic value token transaction
computer administrator 151 may also function as the datastore
administrator 181. The electronic value token transaction computer
150 is configured to generate and maintain an error log of all
transactions that were not completed and reasons therefore. In some
embodiments, the error log is administered by the electronic value
token transaction computer administrator 151.
[0106] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 is also
configured to communicate with other entities 190 authorized to
access the electronic value token transaction processing system and
specifically authorized to access the electronic value token
transaction computer 150. These other entities may comprise
E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000, third party payment management
systems, third party audit systems, issuer affiliated entities,
vendor affiliated entities, redeeming merchants or redeeming
merchant affiliated entities, financial institutions such as banks,
credit card agencies, or credit unions, or any other entity
provided access by the electronic value token transaction computer
administrator 151 or other entity having authority to grant
access.
[0107] In an embodiment, the transaction request from the E-Wallet
Aggregator System 1000 may contain one or more of the following
pieces of information: (a) authentication information, (b) point of
sale terminal identification, (c) amount to be credited or debited,
(d) the time of the request, (e) the date of the request, (f)
identification of the issuer, (g) identification of the vendor, (h)
location of vendor, (i) identification of the product(s) and/or
service(s) being purchased, (j) an activation or deactivation
request, (k) a wallet management function such as addition of a
value token, deletion of a value token, exchange of a value token,
changing management or processing rules associated with one or more
value tokens, partitioning a wallet into sub-wallets or vice-versa,
etc., (l) and any combination thereof. However, the information
contained within the request is not limited to the enumerated list
but may comprise other items in addition to the items enumerated or
in place of the items enumerated above.
[0108] Upon receipt of the electronic wallet transaction request
from the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000, and identification and
sorting as such by the sorting unit 198, the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 accesses the electronic wallet unit of
datastore 180. The electronic value token transaction computer 150
processes the information contained in the datastore 180 and
communicates 109, 110 with the individual issuers' authorization
systems 160 to effectuate management of the electronic value tokens
and corresponding accounts. The message modification unit may
adjust the messages and requests so that multiple units,
sub-components/processors, or third party administrators can
recognize and correctly interpret the messages. For example, after
the electronic value token transaction computer 150 determines the
individual issuers' authorization systems 160 associated with the
request, the message modification unit 154 accesses the database
180 to determine the appropriate transaction messaging formats for
each individual issuers' authorization systems 160 and then formats
the subsequent communications to said individual issuers'
authorization systems 160 using the individual issuers'
authorization systems 160 specified/preferred transaction format
and vocabulary. The electronic value token transaction computer 150
can also provide the appropriate messaging formatting information,
e.g., a template, to the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 to
facilitate that system's processing of information related to the
request. The electronic value token transaction computer's 150
communication with the individual issuers' authorization systems
160 may occur simultaneously or independently. The electronic value
token transaction computer 150 is connectable to the individual
issuers' authorization systems as via a suitable network, such as
the PSTN, the Internet, or an independent dedicated network. The
electronic value token transaction computer 150 is configured to
send and/or receive communication 110 from the issuers'
authorization systems 160 concerning the status of the electronic
value tokens.
[0109] The reconciliation unit 155 reconciles the accounts of
various issuers, selling vendors, and/or redeeming merchants, to
credit and debit appropriate merchants, vendors, the electronic
value token transaction processing system administrator, and
issuers with the value of various transactions to reflect which
entities received value from which other entities. For example, if
a vendor A sells a value token issued by issuer B for a specified
amount and receives payment from a user who adds the electronic
value token to the user's electronic wallet, the selling vendor
receives a percentage (e.g., retains a percentage) of the purchase
amount and/or a predetermined amount, the E-Wallet Aggregator
System 1000 and/or the electronic value token system administrator
receives a percentage of the purchase amount and/or predetermined
amount for processing the transaction, and the issuer receives the
remainder. If a value token issued by issuer Y is redeemed at
merchant X to purchase items, then the amount redeemed is debited
to the issuer Y and credited to the merchant X, sometimes minus a
transaction fee collected by the issuer and/or a transaction or
processing fee collected by the electronic value token transaction
processing system administrator.
[0110] Authorization unit 157 is utilized when the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 is also the authorizing system such
that the electronic value token transaction computer 150 authorizes
electronic sub-wallet requests rather than transmitting the request
to the issuers' authorization systems 160 for authorization. The
authorization unit 157 may perform the same and/or different
functions as described for authorization systems 160 and
vice-versa.
[0111] The authorization unit 157 will validate the formatting of
the wallet (e.g., primary or sub-wallet) transaction request
received from the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000. In other words,
the authorization unit 157 will check the data fields in the
request to confirm that the fields are populated with data and that
the data is in the correct format (e.g., length, alphanumeric
format). If the request is improperly formatted, the authorization
unit 157 will reject the request, or in some embodiments may
retrieve the proper format (e.g., from a format database) and
modify the transaction request to comply with the proper format.
The authorization unit 157 also performs various validation checks
on the transaction request. The authorization unit 157 verifies
card-related transaction information based on an analysis of
several criteria, such as: 1) determining that the UPC code for the
product is present in the datastore 180 (or other datastore such as
an issuer's database) for the electronic value token transaction
processing system 1100; 2) determining that the value amount of the
requested transaction corresponds to the customer's payment for the
subject transaction request, e.g., whether the UPC information
identifies the card as a $25.00 card and that the corresponding
transaction request includes a $25.00 payment by the customer; 3)
determining that the UPC information identifies the card as being a
type of card available for processing by the requesting merchant;
and 4) determining that the Bank Identification Number ("BIN") of
the card (i.e., the first six digits of the card's identification
number), which identifies the card issuer, corresponds to the UPC
information identifying the card issuer.
[0112] The authorization unit 157 may also verify transactions
based on other criteria such as transaction velocity (number/amount
per unit time). For example, if a card processor is concerned that
multiple void transactions are indicative of fraudulent activity,
the card processor could ask that the electronic value token
transaction processing system 1100 monitor the number of void
transactions requested and reject transactions from terminals that
exceed a pre-selected amount of void transactions per unit time.
Lastly, the authorization unit 157 may be configured to reject
transaction requests in the event that the information received by
the authorization unit 157 is unintelligible.
[0113] If the request is properly formatted and is validated as
described above, the electronic value token transaction computer
150 may transmit details of transactions to the issuers'
authorization systems rather than authorization requests. Also, in
some embodiments, the issuer, the authorizing system 9 e.g.,
authorization unit 157), and the transaction computer are part of
the same entity and, in such an embodiment, there would be no
issuers' authorization systems 160 or the issuers' authorization
systems 160 would be under common control with the other units of
the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (for example, a
commonly owned and operated computing system, that may be
centralized (e.g., part of a centralized data center) and/or
distributed within a commonly owned or controlled system or
network). Furthermore, it should be noted that although units
associated with the electronic value token transaction computer 150
(e.g., units 152-157) are depicted as various units within a single
data processing system for illustration and conceptual purposes,
one or more of units 152-157 could be implemented on separate
computers, systems, or servers in a distributed data processing
environment.
[0114] An exemplary process utilized by an electronic value token
transaction computer 150 for facilitating a purchase using an
electronic wallet in accordance with an e-wallet transaction
comprising an electronic sub-wallet maintained by a third party
electronic value token transaction computer which maintains the
sub-wallet as part of a relationship with a primary e-wallet system
provider, e.g., the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000, embodiment is
depicted in FIG. 4B. Such an embodiment may be exemplified by the
e-wallet transaction processing request being initially received by
the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 and performed in part by the
electronic value token computer 150. The actions depicted can be
performed in the order shown or in a different order, and two or
more of the actions can be performed in parallel.
[0115] In block 301, the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 receives a
request or multiple requests from the point of sale 111. In at
least one embodiment the requests may comprise an electronic wallet
transaction request, a balance inquiry request, a registration
request, an activation request, or a redemption request, a wallet
management request, and contains one or more of the following: (a)
identity of the terminal, (b) authentication information, (c) the
amount of the purchase, (d) the identity of the electronic value
token issuer, (e) the identity of the vendor, (f) the identity of
the location, (g) the time of the request, (h) the date of the
request, (i) information expressly identifying the request as an
e-wallet transaction request (e.g., transaction type data); (j)
information identifying a primary e-wallet, sub-wallet(s), or a
combination thereof; (k) any other transaction and/or
authentication data described herein; and (l) any combination
thereof. The request at block 301 may comprise other information,
requests or functions, for example of the types described herein,
in addition to or in place of the above enumerated items. In at
least one embodiment, the authentication information is based on an
authentication token selected from the group consisting of proxy
card and cellular phone.
[0116] Continuing with the process of block 301, the E-Wallet
Aggregator System 1000 may determine that a portion of the
requested e-wallet transaction may be processed via the E-Wallet
Aggregator System 1000 while another portion of the requested
e-wallet transaction implicates a sub-wallet which is maintained by
a third party administrator, e.g., electronic value token
transaction computer 150. If the electronic wallet transaction
request information received by the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000
indicates that the transaction request will require/involve a
sub-wallet maintained by a third party administrator's system to
fully effectuate a response to the transaction request, and the
rules applicable to the associated primary e-wallet maintained by
the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 so dictate, the E-Wallet
Aggregator System 1000 processes the original request, generates a
new request, generates a sub-request, or modifies the original
request, to send to the sub-wallet which is maintained in
association with the primary electronic wallet, e.g., the primary
electronic wallet sends the original request, the new request, the
sub-request, or the modified original request to the electronic
value token transaction computer 150, which maintains the indicated
sub-wallet. In processing the original request, generating the new
request, generating the sub-request, or modifying the original
request to send to the sub-wallet, the E-Wallet Aggregator System
1000 may (i) apply its own logic to the e-wallet transaction
request; (ii) apply rules stored in the primary wallet (e.g., rules
formulated by the primary e-wallet provider, the primary e-wallet
user, or a combination thereof); (iii) apply rules received with
the transaction request from the point of sale 111 (e.g.,
contemporaneous rules submitted with the request by the user of the
primary electronic wallet and/or electronic sub-wallet); (iv) or
any combination thereof.
[0117] In block 303, the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 receives a request or multiple requests from the
E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000. In at least one embodiment the
requests may comprise an electronic sub-wallet request, a balance
inquiry request, a registration request, an activation request, or
a redemption request, a sub-wallet management request, and contains
one or more of the following: (a) identity of the terminal, (b)
authentication information, (c) the amount of the purchase, (d) the
identity of the electronic value token issuer, (e) the identity of
the vendor, (f) the identity of the location, (g) the time of the
request, (h) the date of the request, (i) information expressly
identifying the request as an e-wallet transaction request (e.g.,
transaction type data); (j) information identifying a primary
e-wallet, sub-wallet(s), or a combination thereof; (k) any other
transaction and/or authentication data described herein; and (l)
any combination thereof. The request at block 303 may comprise
other information, requests or functions, for example of the types
described herein, in addition to or in place of the above
enumerated items. In at least one embodiment, the authentication
information is based on an authentication token selected from the
group consisting of proxy card and cellular phone. Using the
identity of the proxy card and/or cellular phone, embedded
transactions may be correctly formatted for communication with the
pertinent electronic value token issuers of the subject transaction
request.
[0118] Using information received from the E-Wallet Aggregator
System 1000 pursuant to the transaction request and from
information obtained from datastore 180, in block 304, the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 determines whether
the request is an electronic sub-wallet request containing valid
authentication information and whether the request is for
redemption of a value token(s), addition of a value token(s),
deletion of a value token(s), or other management of the electronic
sub-wallet. The electronic sub-wallet request may comprise a bank
identification number ("BIN") as part of the authentication
information. The sorting unit may decode the BIN number or
otherwise verify that the request is an electronic sub-wallet
request concerning an electronic value token residing in the
indicated sub-wallet.
[0119] Using information contained within the electronic wallet
transaction received from the E-wallet Aggregator System 1000,
and/or from information obtained from datastore 180, in block 324,
the electronic value token transaction computer 150
identifies/determines the sub-wallet(s), and/or locations of said
sub-wallet(s) indicated/necessary to effectuate the received
e-wallet transaction request. If the authorization information
received indicates the requested e-wallet transaction involves a
sub-wallet maintained by the electronic value token transaction
computer 150, the electronic value token transaction computer 150
may (i) apply its own logic to the request; (ii) apply rules stored
in a sub-wallet (e.g., rules established by the electronic value
token transaction processing system administrator, the sub-wallet
user, or a combination thereof); (iii) apply rules stored in a
sub-sub-wallet (e.g., rules established by the electronic value
token transaction processing system administrator, the
sub-sub-wallet user, or a combination thereof) (iv) apply rules
received with the request from the point of sale 111 (e.g.,
contemporaneous rules submitted with the request by the user of the
primary e-wallet/sub-wallet); (v) or any combination thereof.
[0120] For example, an embodiment may include the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 determining that the entire request
received from the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 is related to
value tokens contained in a singular sub-wallet. Upon receipt of
the request, the electronic value token transaction computer 150
will query its authorization unit 157 (as described more fully
herein), its datastore 180, the E-Wallet unit 199, and any other
necessary unit to determine whether the sub-wallet comprises value
tokens capable of meeting the subject request (e.g., whether the
sub-wallet contains value tokens associated with vendors,
merchants, and/or issuers related to the requested transaction).
Such determination may be performed by comparing electronic value
token identifications, user IDs, requested transaction types. The
electronic value token transaction computer 150 will subsequently
evaluate the manner in which the electronic value tokens available
in the sub-wallet corresponding to the request will be applied
under the sub-wallet's rules and/or rules received with the
request, and perform or refuse to perform the requested transaction
and/or transactions.
[0121] Another embodiment may include the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 determining that the entire request
received from the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 is related to
value tokens contained in a sub-sub-wallet. Upon receipt of the
request, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 will
query its authorization unit 157 (as described more fully herein),
its datastore 180, the E-Wallet unit 199, and any other necessary
unit to determine whether the sub-sub-wallet comprises value tokens
capable of meeting the subject request (e.g., whether the
sub-sub-wallet contains value tokens associated with vendors,
merchants, and/or issuers related to the requested transaction).
Such determination may be performed by comparing electronic value
token identifications, user IDs, requested transaction types. The
electronic value token transaction computer 150 will subsequently
evaluate the manner in which the electronic value tokens available
in the sub-sub-wallet corresponding to the request will be applied
under the sub-sub-wallet's rules and/or rules received with the
request, and perform or refuse to perform the requested transaction
and/or transactions.
[0122] In another example, an embodiment may include the electronic
value token transaction computer 150 determining that a portion of
the request received from the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 is
related to electronic value tokens residing in a sub-wallet while
another portion of the request is related to electronic value
tokens residing in a sub-sub-wallet. Such determination may be made
by evaluating the requested transaction type, the electronic value
token identification, or any other methods for determining
transaction allocation. The electronic value token transaction
computer 150 will evaluate the manner in which the electronic value
tokens available in the sub-wallet corresponding to the request
will be applied under the sub-wallet's rules (as those rule may
affect payment methods to be employed which are located in the
sub-wallet), the electronic value token transaction computer 150
will evaluate the manner in which the electronic value tokens
available in any applicable sub-sub-wallet corresponding to the
request will be applied under such sub-sub-wallet's rules and/or
rules received with the request, and perform or refuse to perform
the requested transaction and/or transactions.
[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, at block 324, the electronic
value token transaction computer 150 may identify, in response to a
received transaction request, one or more value tokens in a
sub-wallet and one or more electronic value tokens in a
sub-sub-wallet that, when used together, will cover the entirety of
the requested e-wallet transaction. Moreover, one of the electronic
value tokens located in the sub-wallet or sub-wallet may be an
electronic representation of a loyalty card and another electronic
value token located in either the same or different location of
said loyalty card value token may be an electronic representation
of a retailer's gift card. In such an example, the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 can effectuate the coincidental use
of the "loyalty card" token and the "retailer's gift card" token,
regardless of the tokens' locations in the sub-wallet and/or
sub-sub-wallet(s) to allow for an enhanced user benefit as opposed
to not coincidentally applying the value of the "retailer's gift
card" token and the "loyalty card" token for the transaction, e.g.,
a 5% increase in the value of the "retailer's gift card" token or
loyalty point bonus applied to the "loyalty card" token for the use
of the "retailer's gift card" token.
[0124] An electronic value token may be associated with a closed
loop account or open loop account. A closed loop account typically
expires after the funds in the account have been depleted, e.g. a
gift card account. An open loop account does not typically expire.
Rather, there is may be an ongoing obligation for various entities
to credit and debit the account, e.g. a branded credit card account
or debit card account such as Visa or Mastercard. Closed loop
accounts are often associated directly with retailers while open
loop accounts are often associated with financial institutions
(e.g., Chase or Citi issued Visa). In at least one embodiment, the
electronic value tokens comprise closed loop account numbers and
open loop account numbers. The closed loop account numbers are
associated with retailers able to debit or credit closed loop
accounts associated with the closed loop account number. The open
loop account numbers are associated with financial institutions
able to debit or credit open loop accounts associated with the open
loop account numbers. The electronic value token may have an
expiration date or specified dates of use that are different from
any other value tokens. Furthermore, the electronic value tokens
may identify specific merchants, locations, and/or products with
which the electronic value tokens may be utilized.
[0125] If the request is for electronic value token addition, then
in block 306, the electronic sub-wallet is created (if not already
created) and the electronic value token is added to the electronic
sub-wallet. The following Tables include elements, parameters, and
information included in e-wallet transaction communications and
used by the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to
facilitate and effectuate electronic sub-wallet transactions as
part of an coincidental primary e-wallet transaction being
processed by a primary e-wallet transaction processing system, e.g.
the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000.
[0126] Table 8A illustrates request parameters requested to create
a sub-wallet in at least one embodiment. Table 8B illustrates
response parameters requested to create a sub-wallet in at least
one embodiment.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 8A Request Parameters Suggested Element Data
Type Length Description primaryewalletauth string variable
Authorization/ID of primary e-wallet provider (e.g., Google or
PayPal) accounttype String 200 Account Type loadamt decimal N/A
Amount to be loaded into the wallet account loadamtcurrency string
3 Denomination Type. txn-uniqueidentifier string 12 Unique
transaction id.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 8B Response Parameters Element Data Type
Description accountid string Unique identifier for a account
accounttype string Type of the account. currency string
Denomination Type. balance decimal Balance available in the account
uniqueidentifier string (numeric) The unique identifier identifies
a transaction. code string The Status of the requested transaction.
description string The Status description of the requested
transaction.
[0127] The electronic value token transaction computer 150
preferably allocates memory for the electronic sub-wallet and value
token(s) and associates the account number with the electronic
sub-wallet and/or authentication information stored in the
electronic wallet unit 199 by storing the pieces of information in
a data structure on the datastore 180. Table 9 illustrates the
parameters for a gift card value token in at least one
embodiment.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 9 Suggested Element and Description Data Type
Length statusinfo.status.code String 7
statusinfo.status.description String 500 card.retailer.id Integer
String 11 card.retailer.name String 100 card.number String 50
card.securitycode String 50 card.expirydate Integer String 6
card.activationdate Date String 20 card.initialbalance Decimal
String 10 card.currentbalance Decimal String 10
card.currentbalanceasof Date String 20 card.customerservice. String
20 phone card.customerservice. String 256 website card.currency
String 3
[0128] Table 10 illustrates more detailed parameters for a gift
card electronic value token in an alternative embodiment, including
the designation of associated sub-wallet(s) and/or
sub-sub-wallet(s).
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 10 Suggested Element and Description Data Type
Length card.retailer.id Integer String 11 card.retailer.name String
100 card.number String 50 card.securitycode String 50
card.expirydate Integer String 6 card.registeredto String 10
card.activationdate Date String 20 card.initialbalance Decimal
String 10 card.islookedupinitialbalance String 1
card.currentbalance Decimal String 10 card.islookedupcurrentbalance
String 1 card.customerservice. String 20 phone
card.customerservice. String 256 website card.notes String 500
card.nickname String 100 card.currency String 3 card.user.firstname
String 50 card.user.lastname String 50 card.user.address.line1
String 50 card.user.address.line2 String 50 card.user.address.city
String 50 card.user.address.state String 50 card.user.address.zip
String 5 card.user.phone.number String 10 card.user.email.address
String 128 card.additionalinfo1 String 300 card.additionalinfo2
String 300 card.additionalinfo3 String 300 wallet.id Integer String
10 Collection of folders wallet.folder.1.id Integer String 10
wallet.folder.1.name String 100 wallet.folder.2.id Integer String
10 wallet.folder.2.name String 100 [. . . More folders]
[0129] The request, however, may be modified for other reasons
unrelated to the add token decision and forwarded to the
appropriate one of the issuers' authorization systems 160 as part
of the reconciliation process, for example the request could
concern redemption, deletion, reloading value, added value, balance
inquiry, or a combination thereof, each of which would be
communicated to the issuers' authorization systems 160 for
reconciliation.
[0130] Table 11 illustrates formatting for authentication
communication.
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 11 Element and Description Data Type
client_ref_id String signature String timestamp String(in the
format yyMMddHHmmssSSSz) nonce String encryption_type String
usertoken String uuid String user_ip String channel String
[0131] Each request is authenticated using the signature, a user is
authenticated with username/password or open id, the session is
validated using the user token. A client may send client_ref_id,
timestamp, nonce, encryption_type, channel, user_ip, signature,
optionally usertoken with each request to be able to validate each
message.
[0132] Table 12 illustrates the parameters used to retrieve a
user's wallet.
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 12 Element Data Type Description accountid
string Unique identifier for a account accounttype string Type of
the account. currency string Denomination Type. balance decimal
Balance available in the account code string The Status of the
requested transaction. description string The Status description of
the requested transaction.
[0133] Table 13A illustrates the request parameters used to redeem
value from a token in the sub-wallet.
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 13A Request Parameters Suggested Element Data
Type Length Description accountid String 100 Unique identifier for
the account redamt decimal N/A Amount to redeem from the account
redamtcurrency string 3 Amount Type. txn- string 12 Unique
transaction id. uniqueidentifier txn- bool N/A 0, if it is not a
reversal of any istimeoutreversal transaction type 1, if it is a
reversal transaction.
[0134] Table 13B illustrates the response parameters used to redeem
value from a token in the sub-wallet.
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 13B Response Parameters Suggested Element Data
Type Length Description accountid string 100 Unique identifier for
a account accounttype string 50 Type of the account. currency
string 3 Denomination Type. balance decimal N/A Balance available
in the account uniqueidentifier string 12 Unique identifier for the
transaction. code string 7 The Status of the requested transaction.
description string 500 The Status description of the requested
transaction.
[0135] Table 14A illustrates the request parameters used to load a
value token into the sub-wallet.
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 14A Request Parameters Suggested Element Data
Type Length Description accountid string 100 Unique identifier for
a account amount decimal N/A Amount to load on the account
amountcurrency string 3 Amount Type. txn- bool N/A 0, if it is not
a reversal of any istimeoutreversal transaction type 1, if it is a
reversal transaction. txn- string 12 Unique transaction id.
uniqueidentifier
[0136] Table 14B illustrates the response parameters used to load a
value token into the sub-wallet.
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 14B Response Parameters Suggested Element Data
Type Length Description accountid string 100 Unique identifier for
a account accounttype string 50 Type of the account. balance
decimal N/A Balance available in the account uniqueidentifier
string (numeric 12 Unique identifier for values [0-9] only) the
transaction. code string 7 The Status of the requested transaction.
description string 500 The Status description of the requested
transaction. currency string 3 Denomination Type.
[0137] If the request is for electronic value token redemption,
then in block 308, the electronic value token transaction computer
150 accesses the electronic sub-wallet previously associated with
the authentication information and examines the rules associated
with the electronic sub-wallet. In at least one embodiment,
examining the rules comprises examining priorities of value tokens
configurable by the user. For example, the user may prefer to use
any closed loop value tokens corresponding to the retailer
originating the purchase request. If none is found or if the token
will not cover the purchase, then the user may prefer to use an
open loop value token for the remainder. As a result of these
preferences, the closed loop value tokens may all have higher
priority than the open loop value tokens. Among the open loop value
tokens, one may have priority over another. For example, the user
prefers to pay for any remainder with a credit card rather than a
debit card. In at least one embodiment, the user may configure
these rules via the Internet or mobile application and save the
priorities as default preferences. In an alternative embodiment,
the user selects the electronic value tokens to apply to the
electronic wallet request in at the POS device, for example at a
vendor or retailer location such as a check-out lane, customer
service counter, or kiosk. As such, selecting the electronic value
tokens comprises selecting value tokens with the highest priority
that, when used together, will cover the purchase amount. As can be
seen in the example, one purchase transaction has been split into
two redemptions without compromising efficiency of the purchase.
Similarly, one or more electronic wallet transactions can be split
into two or more transactions without compromising efficiency.
[0138] In at least one embodiment, examining the rules comprises
examining percentages of the electronic sub-wallet request to which
different electronic value tokens should be applied and wherein
applying the electronic value tokens comprises applying the
electronic value tokens to the electronic sub-wallet request in
according to the percentages. In block 310, the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 then selects, based on the rules,
value tokens in the electronic sub-wallet that, when used together,
will cover the electronic sub-wallet request. For example, the user
may configure the rules such that each purchase is split evenly
between two credit cards. As such, selecting the electronic value
tokens comprises selecting two open loop tokens between which to
split the purchase amount. Similar to the above example, efficiency
is preserved because where a single authorization token (e.g., only
the proxy card or a mobile device) was used at the point of sale,
not the two credit cards corresponding to the electronic value
tokens. Other rules can be implemented, and the rules can be used
in various combinations and permutations with each other. The
electronic value token computer 150 can also implement "if-then"
rules based on the information transmitted in the electronic
sub-wallet request. For example, a purchase at a gas station can
result in a gas credit card value token selection, and the like. In
such am embodiment, the electronic value token computer 150 may
query the rule(s) 802, 817, 818, and 819 of the subject e-wallet 10
and/or sub-wallets 807 (e.g., for credit card-type electronic value
tokens), 808 (e.g., for debit card-type electronic value tokens),
and 809 (e.g., for stored value-type electronic value tokens) and
determine, based on transaction request information which includes
a transaction type, e.g., purchase at a gas station, that rule(s)
established for the subject e-wallet 10 and/or sub-wallets 807,
808, and 809 require that the transaction type request be first
satisfied with a first electronic value token type, e.g. a gas
card-related electronic value token 829, and upon the occasion that
the subject e-wallet 10 and/or sub-wallet(s) 807, 808, and 809 do
not comprise a sufficient amount of the first value token type to
satisfy the entire transaction request, the electronic value token
computer 150 may satisfy the remainder of the transaction request
with a second electronic value token type, e.g., a debit
card-related electronic value token 828.
[0139] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 also
applies the electronic value tokens to the electronic sub-wallet
request. In applying the electronic value tokens to the request,
the electronic value token transaction computer 150 can generate
and send debit and credit messages to be performed on the accounts
administered by the retailers and financial institutions using the
appropriate account numbers, or the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 can credit or debit the accounts directly
if the electronic value token transaction computer has such
administrative authority.
[0140] In at least one embodiment, the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 modifies the request and forwards the
modified request to the appropriate one of the issuers'
authorization systems 160, which receives the modified request and
acts upon same, for example authorizing and/or processing the
request to redeem the electronic value token and updating a
datastore accordingly. The authorization system 160 is not at the
same location from where the electronic sub-wallet request was
received in at least one embodiment. For example, if the electronic
sub-wallet request was received from a retail store, the
authorization system may be owned and operated by the retailer, but
will not be at the retail store. Rather, the authorization system
may be located at a data center for example. As such, neither the
retail store nor the retailer in general need be aware of some or
all the contents of the sub-wallet. In at least one embodiment, the
retail store is unaware of even the presence of the electronic
wallet, as it merely recognizes that some transaction authorizing
action has been communicated to its point of sale (e.g., swipe of a
proxy card, digital personal assistant interaction with point of
sale device, entry of a PIN at a keypad at point of sale, or other
authorizing activity). The issuers' authorization systems 160 sends
a response message back to the electronic value token transaction
computer 150. In an alternative embodiment where the electronic
value token transaction computer 150 performs the functions of the
issuers' authorization systems 160, the method may proceed directly
from block 306 or 310 to block 314.
[0141] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 receives
the confirmation message from the appropriate one of the issuers'
authorization systems 160 in block 312. At block 314, the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 updates electronic
sub-wallet in the electronic wallet unit 199 and datastore 180 to
reflect that the electronic sub-wallet is activated and to reflect
any debit, credit, addition, or deletion to/of the electronic value
token(s). FIGS. 6A-D illustrate a series of user interface screens
and prompts in at least one embodiment. For example, the user may
see the illustrated prompts when managing the user's electronic
wallet via a computer connected to the Internet, and/or kiosk
189.
[0142] A transaction log 170 may be updated by the electronic value
token transaction computer 150 in block 316 to record the details
about the transaction. The details recorded in the transaction log
may include (a) the time and date of the transaction, (b) whether
the electronic sub-wallet was activated, (c) the reason electronic
sub-wallet was not activated if the request was denied, (d) the
credit, debit, addition, or deletion to/of the electronic value
token(s), (e) a change in rules associated with the electronic
value token(s), (f) the identity of the vendor, (g) the identity of
the issuer, (h) the location of the vendor, (i) the identity of the
terminal adding the electronic value token, (j) the identity of the
entity granting the electronic value token, (k) identity of the
E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000 from which the sub-wallet request
was received, (l) communications between the electronic value token
transaction computer 150 and the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000,
and (m) any combination thereof. The transaction log may include
other information in addition to or in place of the items
enumerated above.
[0143] The electronic value token transaction computer 150, in
block 319, then forwards the sub-wallet transaction results and
associated information in the form of a confirmation message to the
E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000. The electronic value token
transaction computer 150, prior to forwarding the confirmation
message to the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000, may modify the
confirmation message as necessary to include information that may
be printed on a receipt for the customer and/or presented on a
display to the store clerk operating the point of sale device 111.
At block 320, the electronic value token transaction computer 150
reconciles the accounts of the various vendors, merchants, issuers,
the electronic value token transaction processing system
administrator, and other entities involved with issuing, selling,
and marketing the electronic value tokens involved in the
sub-wallet request to debit and credit appropriate accounts and, in
some embodiments, initiates funds transfers between appropriate
bank accounts belonging to the various entities. Alternatively,
reconciliation of accounts may be performed periodically (e.g.,
daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) rather than after each transaction.
In such an embodiment, the information from the transaction log 170
may be utilized to reconcile the various entities involved with the
sale or redemption of various value tokens thus requiring fewer
funds transfers to be initiated. In various embodiments, the
sequence of events depicted in may be varied, and thus may be
carried out in any desired order, sequentially or
simultaneously.
[0144] FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment of the electronic value
token transaction processing system 1200 wherein the electronic
value token transaction computer 150 communicates with both the
point of sale 111 and the E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000. Thus,
the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may function as
both a primary electronic wallet transaction processor and an
electronic sub-wallet transaction processor as described in detail
above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0145] Electronic wallet management may be carried out via a
variety of user interfaces such as smart phone application,
personal computer applications, website based applications, point
of sale terminals, dedicated terminals at stores or other
locations, such as kiosks.
[0146] In at least one embodiment, a user can perform numerous
functions via the World Wide Web from a computer or mobile phone
such as electronic wallet management functions (e.g., balance
inquiry, managing loyalty and/or other bonus-type programs);
exchange of value tokens such as (i) replace value token in
e-wallet with value token not currently present in e-wallet, (ii)
exchange between different wallets (such as placing an electronic
value token from a sub-wallet configured to allow redemption
activities into a sub-wallet configured for savings activities with
limited redemption possibilities), and (iii) exchange with another
user; purchase electronic value tokens to be placed in e-wallet;
opt in or opt out of receiving targeted promotional offers and
materials; and payment functions such as splitting the tender of
payment between available electronic value tokens in the
e-wallet.
[0147] Regarding possible exchange possibilities, a user may
exchange a value token associated with a retailer that the user is
unlikely to frequent with a value token associated with a retailer
that the user is likely to frequent. Similarly, users may swap,
sell, gift, or re-gift value tokens or bundles of value tokens to
each other.
[0148] Via e-wallet management functionalities, a user can: (i)
determine the amount of value associated with each value token such
as reward points, dollar amounts, etc.; (ii) check expiration dates
on value tokens, purchase value tokens for others as gifts, and
receive notifications from specific retailers; (iii) create,
register, and delete their electronic wallet or specific value
tokens in their electronic wallet; (iv) request that the e-wallet
provide or make available a physical representation of an
electronic value token in the user's electronic wallet (e.g., in an
embodiment, a print-on-demand service is provided to allow the user
to print out a chit, coupon, check, or other physical
representation of an electronic value token at a kiosk 189 or other
accessible printer); and (v) allow the e-wallet to send the user
specific value tokens, e.g., by using a GPS service in the user's
mobile phone, or via integration with the user's SMS services.
[0149] In at least one embodiment, the user's electronic wallet is
integrated with the user's social network services such as Facebook
and Twitter. Accordingly, the user can perform management functions
via social network platforms or receive value tokens via social
network platforms. Full or partial information about the user's
electronic wallet can be made available to the user's social
network contacts as well.
[0150] As depicted in FIG. 6A, a user may access the e-wallet
system, e.g., electronic value token transaction processing system
100 or E-Wallet Aggregator System 1000, via such systems'
interactive display pages/screens (wherein the interactive display
pages/screens are accessed via a user's computer, a user's personal
digital assistant or smart phone, point of sale terminal, kiosk
189, or other device. As FIG. 6A depicts, a user may create and/or
register an e-wallet or sub-wallet by providing certain requested
information and agreeing to certain terms and conditions.
[0151] As depicted in FIG. 6B, a user may manage its e-wallet by
inputting certain card specific information into the e-wallet
systems interactive display page/screen. In an embodiment, a user
may register a gift card by inputting the gift card's brand, card
number, expiration date, CVV2 code, and card nickname and selecting
the "Add Gift Card to MyWallet" button on the screen.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 6C, a user is provided many options for
managing an e-wallet and its contents. For example, as shown, a
user may review the specific details associated with the electronic
value tokens (depicted as gift cards in FIG. 6C) present in the
e-wallet and/or sub-wallet. Moreover, the user could request that
the electronic value tokens be presented as: (i) "Last added" (as
shown in FIG. 6C); (ii) as contained in various "Sub-wallets"
(sub-wallets could be categorized or nicknamed, such as "Dining,"
"Home Improvement," "Debit," "Credit," "Loyalty," etc.); (iii) as
in highest to lowest remaining value; or (iv) as ranked in regards
to preference for use.
[0153] As is also shown in FIG. 6C, the user has the ability to
"Add a Gift Card," "Add Value," "Redeem Card," and "Sell Card."
[0154] The "Add a Gift Card" functionality enables a user to place
an electronic value token into the e-wallet. The "Add a Gift Card"
selection provides at least two different methods for the user to
add an electronic value token to the e-wallet. First, an electronic
value token representing a physical card possessed by the user may
be added to the e-wallet. As described in reference to FIG. 6B, by
selecting "Add a Gift Card" and the subsequent manner of such
addition, the screen display of FIG. 6B may be presented to the
user. Accordingly, the user may add a "gift card" to the e-wallet
by inputting the gift card's brand, card number, expiration date,
CVV2 code, and card nickname and selecting the "Add Gift Card to
MyWallet" button on the screen. Alternatively, the user may have
access to a card reader (e.g., mag stripe reader and/or bar code
reader), such as a device attached to a user's computer, personal
digital assistant or smart phone, and utilize such device to read
information from a physical card, in conjunction with the user's
computer, personal digital assistant or smart phone, to enter the
card's information into the e-wallet system for conversion into an
electronic value token. Second, an electronic value token
representing a physical card not already possessed by the user may
be added to the e-wallet. In such an embodiment, when the user
selects this option, the user may be presented a display screen
informing the user of all the different types and value amounts of
electronic value tokens that are available for purchase. The
availability of electronic value tokens for purchase can be
ascribed to the e-wallet system's (e.g., the electronic value token
transaction processing system's 100) relationships with card
issuers, merchants, vendors, and/or processors (e.g., a GiftCard
Mall web-based application as provided by BlackHawk Network which
provides users with the ability to select from a variety of
different types of gift cards (and varying denominations) and have
the cards selected delivered to the user (or to a user's identified
recipient) in either tangible form (via mail or other courier) or
delivered electronically (e.g., via the electronic value token
transaction processing system)) or may be ascribed to the e-wallet
system's (e.g., the electronic value token transaction processing
system's 100) ability to access an electronic value token exchange
program 2000, as will be described more fully below.
[0155] The "Add Value" functionality enables a user to select an
electronic value token and increase the value of said token. Such
"reloading," "topping off," or "recharging" of an electronic value
token may be performed as is described in International Application
Serial No. PCT/US11/40055, which is incorporated by reference in
its entirety. For example, when the e-wallet user desires to
reload/recharge/top off a telecom-related electronic value token
residing in the e-wallet, the user can select "Add Value" on the
display screen which will prompt the system to transmit the
reload/recharge/top-up request to the electronic value token
computer 150.
[0156] In a first embodiment of the reload/recharge/top-up
scenario, the electronic value token computer 150 approves the
request if the telecom-related electronic value token is activated
and associated with a phone number. The electronic value token
computer 150 determines the telecom account associated with the
phone number and adds the requested reload/recharge/top-up amount
to the account. The electronic value token computer 150 sends a
response to the request (e.g., indicating that the
reload/recharge/top-up amount has been added to the associated
account). The electronic value token computer 150 transmits a
reload/recharge/top-up transaction request to the phone number's
associated telecom carrier. Upon receiving approval of the
reload/recharge/top-up transaction request from the telecom
carrier, the electronic value token computer 150 modifies the value
of the telecom-related electronic value token to reflect the
reload/recharge/top-up amount. The electronic value token computer
150 will cause the display accessed by the user to reflect the
modification of the electronic value token's value, or if the
reload/recharge/top-up transaction request was not approved, the
electronic value token computer 150 will cause the display to
inform the user as to that result. While the "Add Value"
functionality has been described in relation to telecom-related
electronic value tokens, the "Add Value" functionality is equally
applicable and functionable for reloading/recharging/topping-up
electronic value tokens associated with debit cards, prepaid
services cards, gift cards, etc.
[0157] The "Redeem Card" functionality enables a user to select an
electronic value token and use that token to satisfy a purchase, or
other transaction. In the "Redeem Card" scenario, if the whole
value of the electronic value token is not used in the redemption
transaction, the system will modify/reduce the remaining value of
the token and cause the display to inform the user of the "new"
reduced value of the token, while also informing all interested
parties as to the redemption transaction and recording and
adjusting any pertinent logs accordingly. Alternatively, when an
e-wallet is used in a point of sale-type of transaction context,
rather than the above described e-wallet management context, the
"Redeem Card" functionality may be automatically invoked via
transactional information conveyed from a point of sale and thus,
the can be based on predetermined rules.
[0158] The "Sell Card" functionality enables a user to select an
electronic value token to monetize via offering the card for sale
to (i) another e-wallet user, (ii) the e-wallet (or sub-wallet)
system provider, or (iii) an electronic value token exchange
program 2000 (as more fully described herein). In the "Sell Card"
scenario, a user will inform the e-wallet system as to the
electronic value token it desires to sell, select the forum for
such sale from a list of available forums, instruct the system as
to how the proceeds from the sale should be remitted to the
e-wallet (e.g., in the form of e-wallet system branded electronic
value token, value added to other selected electronic value
token(s), and/or delivery of a hard/tangible form of receipt that
the user may present for tender, (e.g., chit, coupon, check, or
combination thereof)) and, if applicable, instruct the system as to
a threshold value for the sale of the electronic value token that
the user is not willing to go below e.g., set a reserve price. The
system will execute the desired sale transaction, and cause the
display to inform the user of the results of the sale of the
electronic value token, while also informing all interested parties
as to the sale transaction and recording and adjusting any
pertinent logs accordingly.
[0159] As is further shown in FIG. 6C, a user may choose to manage
"My Rewards" which would bring up a screen showing the user options
available due to the user's receipt of loyalty or other types of
rewards for using the e-wallet and/or electronic value tokens. The
user may also select "Special Offers" which would bring up a screen
showing the user any promotional-type offerings available to the
user via the e-wallet. The user may also select "Exchange" which
would bring up a screen showing the user options available for
electronic value token exchange via the e-wallet.
[0160] In similar fashion as described in reference to the above
available e-wallet management abilities and functionalities, a
kiosk 189 may be coupled to the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 in at least one embodiment and function as a user's
interface with an e-wallet transaction system to allow the user to
access e-wallet management functionalities.
[0161] The kiosk 189 may be placed in a high-traffic area such as a
shopping mall, and may perform any electronic wallet management
function. For example, users may create, delete, and alter their
electronic wallets or sub-wallets. Users may also check the
balances of electronic value tokens residing in the e-wallet, add,
remove, reload, recharge, print, and exchange value tokens in their
electronic wallets or sub-wallets. The kiosk 189 may minor
transactions available through an electronic wallet management
website in at least one embodiment, or the functionality of an
e-wallet enabled personal digital assistant and/or smart phone.
Users may employ a print-on-demand function with their value tokens
if a particular retailer does not accept electronic wallet
transactions. For example, a user may select a value token to
print, and a printer connected to the kiosk 189 will print a
physical representation of the selected value token, for example a
receipt having a scannable bar code linked to the electronic value
token. The physical representation may be a gift card with a
magnetic stripe, a paper receipt or coupon with a barcode or matrix
code (e.g., QR code), and the like. In an embodiment, kiosk 189 may
print a physical card, for example for an additional printing fee.
The user may also provision and/or partition (e.g., create
sub-wallets) an electronic wallet using the kiosk 189. For example,
after authentication of the user and identification of the
electronic wallet associated with the user, the user may insert the
user's physical stored value cards into the kiosk 189, for example
a machine operated kiosk similar to an automatic teller machine or
alternatively a manned kiosk having appropriate card readers and
the like. The kiosk 189 may convert the physical stored value cards
into electronic value tokens in the user's electronic wallet.
Afterwards, the physical stored value card may be retained or
destroyed by the kiosk 189 or returned to the user. In one
embodiment, the physical stored value card is not usable by the
user after the conversion. In another embodiment, the user may have
the option to use the electronic value token or the physical stored
value card. In other words, both will be "active" and available for
use. The user may also purchase value tokens to provision a wallet
directly from the kiosk 189.
[0162] In at least one embodiment, a user is associated with
multiple electronic wallets. In order to identify one wallet out of
multiple wallets associated with a user, each of the multiple
wallets is associated with a unique wallet identification ("ID"). A
database or lookup table, for example, may be used to access wallet
identifications. In at least one embodiment, the wallet ID is
customizable by the user.
[0163] As referenced with respect to both the primary e-wallet and
sub-wallet embodiments described above, the disclosed e-wallet and
sub-wallet methods and systems provide users with the ability to
add value to electronic value tokens residing in an e-wallet and/or
sub-wallet. In an embodiment, similar value-added capabilities and
functionalities of the instantly described electronic value token
transaction processing system 100 are detailed and described in
International Application Serial No. PCT/US11/20570, which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety, such similar value-added
capabilities and functionalities may be adapted from the context
described in International Application Serial No. PCT/US11/20570 to
be applied in the instant e-wallet/electronic value token
context.
[0164] Customers may be offered incentives to purchase and/or
redeem a value token(s) via value differentiation between the
purchase and redemption values of said value token(s).
[0165] In an embodiment, a value token with a face value of $25 may
be purchased by a customer for $25, but the electronic value token
may be added to the electronic wallet in the amount of $30--the $25
purchase price plus an additional $5 added as an incentive to
purchase the electronic value token. Alternatively, rather than
adding cash value to the electronic value token, the electronic
value token may be encoded with a redemption coupon code for a
specific product or service. For example, a $15 value token to a
coffee house may have an electronic redemption coupon code for a
free shot of the customer's syrup of choice to be added to any
coffee purchased at the coffee house. The free shot of syrup may be
redeemed in connection with redeeming a portion, or all, of the
electronic value token amount or the free shot of syrup may be
redeemed separately.
[0166] In another embodiment, a value token vendor is able to offer
customers incentives to redeem a value token by adding value in
addition to the value of the electronic value token at the time the
customer redeems the electronic value token. For example, a
merchant could run a promotion in which it offers customers an
additional $5 credit when the customer uses a value token for a
purchase at one of the merchant's retail stores during a specified
period of time.
[0167] As noted above, the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 communicates with the datastore 180 and/or the
issuers' authorization systems 160. The electronic value token
transaction computer 150 may compare one or more of the card
identification, the terminal identification, vendor identification,
and the time and date of the activation request contained within
the transaction request to data contained in the datastore 180 to
determine whether the electronic value token to be added/redeemed
is eligible for a value added award. For example, a vendor may run
a promotion to encourage customers to purchase a value token,
wherein value tokens purchased within a specified period of time
may be purchased for a price less than the value designated by the
electronic value tokens description or metadata. Thus, a customer
could purchase a $25 value token for some amount less than $25,
e.g., $20. In either of the above examples, the value
differentiators, e.g., bonus added to a redemption value of a value
token and reduction of purchase price for a designated value of a
value token, may be applicable to bundled value token packages and
the value differentiators distributed amongst and/or across the
electronic value tokens, either equally or disproportionately.
Similarly, retailers can collaborate for cross-promotions by
honoring other retailer's value tokens in full, in part, or for
specific products or promotions. By selecting to use an electronic
wallet at the point of sale, the user may even receive the benefits
of promotions of which the user was unaware. Furthermore, by
configuring the rules, the user can be assured of getting the best
promotions at various retailers without comparison shopping. As
such, retailers can implement and change promotions at a rapid pace
and cross-promote with other retailers on a daily or even hourly
basis without spending advertising resources to make sure that the
user is aware of the promotion and without requiring the user to
perform the legwork involved in traditional redemption models such
as cutting coupons, inputting various promotional codes, and the
like. Moreover, retailers can finely tune promotions to various
market segments in order to strengthen relationships by providing
for the segment's particular needs.
[0168] The message modification unit 154 modifies the messages 106
and 110 to add value added information into the messages. For
example, if it is determined by the value added determination unit
153 that a value token to be added is eligible for a value added
bonus, the message 106 received from the point of sale device 111
is modified by the message modification unit 154 to include the
determined value added bonus and is then forwarded as message 109
to the appropriate issuers' authorization system 160 for
authorizing the request for the amount specified in the activation
request plus the value added bonus. As another example, if it is
determined that the electronic value token is eligible to be
purchased at a discount, the message 106 received from the point of
sale device 111 is modified by the message modification unit 154
(and forwarded as message 109) to indicate to the appropriate
issuers' authorization system 160 that the electronic value token
will be added to the electronic wallet for one amount, but that the
customer will be charged a lesser amount reflecting the discount
associated with the electronic value token.
[0169] In an embodiment, the message modification unit 154 also
modifies messages 110 from the issuers' authorization systems 160
intended for the point of sale device 111 to include any
information regarding value added to the electronic value token
that may be printed on the receipt generated for the customer as
well as information that may be presented to a cashier on a
terminal 101 or 104 that the cashier may communicate to the
customer, and such modified messages are forwarded as messages 107
to the point of sale device 111.
[0170] As referenced with respect to both the primary e-wallet and
sub-wallet embodiments described above, the disclosed e-wallet and
sub-wallet methods and systems provide users with the ability to
exchange an electronic value token residing in the user's e-wallet
or sub-wallet with/for an electronic value token not presently
residing in the user's e-wallet or sub-wallet, but made available
via the e-wallet's or sub-wallet's transaction system(s).
[0171] The electronic value token computer's 150 owner and/or
operator may earn revenue via arbitrage-type activities. That is,
electronic value token computer's 150 owner and/or operator may
keep the difference in going rates between two electronic value
tokens, e.g., a first electronic value token being traded/exchanged
and a second electronic value token being desired/obtained. In at
least one embodiment, the electronic value token transaction
computer 150 may charge the user transaction fee for the exchange
instead. The transaction fee may be flat or based on the size of
the exchange.
[0172] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 may also
charge either or both of the issuers and/or retailers associated
with the exchange a flat transaction fee or one based on the amount
of the exchange. These fees may be minimal but generated in high
volume. All parties may benefit because the user is receiving value
tokens the user will use in exchange for value tokens the user
would not use. Moreover, one issuer and/or retailer is eliminating
the debt or inventory liability associated with the exchanged value
token, thus freeing up capital for other uses. Also, the other
issuer and/or retailer may be gaining a customer, retaining a loyal
customer, or increasing revenue if the customer spends more than
the amount of the electronic value token.
[0173] As referenced with respect to both the primary e-wallet and
sub-wallet embodiments described above, the disclosed e-wallet and
sub-wallet methods and systems provide users with the ability to
exchange electronic value tokens located in e-wallets and/or
sub-wallets for other electronic value tokens not located in said
e-wallets or sub-wallets. Such value token exchange may be
initiated (1) by an e-wallet user (i) at a point of sale, (ii) at a
kiosk, (iii) via a user's personal digital assistant or smart
phone, (iv) via web access to the user's e-wallet, (v) or any other
method of accessing the user's e-wallet; or (2) by an application
of an e-wallet rule by an e-wallet processing system, wherein the
rule is established by (i) the e-wallet user, (ii) the e-wallet
provider, (iii) or a combination thereof.
[0174] In at least one embodiment, exchanging a first value token
associated with a first retailer located in the e-wallet for a
second value token associated with a second retailer not located in
the e-wallet requires an exchange rate be applied. This exchange
rate may be applied against the value of the second value token
being sought in the exchange, thus reducing the face value of the
second value token is relation to the value of the first value
token for which it is exchanged or the exchange rate may be applied
against some other valued asset located in the e-wallet (as
prescribed by any pertinent rules or directives). The exchange rate
may be realized by the e-wallet processing system and/or shared
with designated vendors, merchants, and issuers.
[0175] The exchange rate may established via an ongoing valuation
program operated by the e-wallet processing system or affiliated
entity comprising the tracking of the use of and interest in
electronic value tokens, gift cards (or other similar instruments),
the acquisition of such electronic value tokens, gift cards (or
other similar instruments) from other e-wallet users or other
sources, and the establishment of dynamically varying values for
all such electronic value tokens and gift card-type instruments
available to the e-wallet processing system for incorporation into
an electronic value token exchange program.
[0176] The above-described electronic value token exchange program
may be exemplified by the following discussion. An e-wallet user
can approach an e-wallet associated kiosk 189 at Retailer A's
establishment. The e-wallet user interfaces with the kiosk 189 and
provides the kiosk with e-wallet identifying information (e.g., as
described in Table 1 herein "accountid"). The provision of
identifying information may be made via manual input by the kiosk's
user or may be made automatically via communication between the
e-wallet user's personal digital assistant (or proxy card 200) and
the kiosk 189. The e-wallet user may then use the kiosk 189 to
access the e-wallet's electronic value token exchange program and
the kiosk 189 may be further used to facilitate and complete any
requested electronic value token exchange. In an embodiment, the
e-wallet user may wish to exchange an electronic value token issued
and/or accepted by Retailer B contained in the user's e-wallet (or
a sub-wallet thereof) for an electronic value token issued and/or
accepted by Retailer A. The e-wallet user interfacing with kiosk
189 can result in the e-wallet user being presented with a screen
display such as is depicted in FIG. 6C. Besides providing the
e-wallet user with the ability to review the contents of the
e-wallet, the display allows the e-wallet user to select an
"Exchange" tab from the available functionalities. The "Exchange"
tab will then present the e-wallet user with the options available
for electronic value token exchange. As depicted in FIG. 6D, such
options can comprise: (1) view a selection of electronic value
token(s) available for acquisition; (2) view the selection of
electronic value token(s) presently residing in e-wallet; (3) view
the various exchange rates for the identified electronic value
token(s) for acquisition as calculated in view of the electronic
value tokens selected for removal (exchange) from the e-wallet
(exchange rates may vary based on types/retailers of electronic
value tokens selected for exchange); (4) view options for
satisfying exchange rate (e.g., (i) reduction in value of
electronic value token selected for acquisition to meet the
exchange rate or (ii) application of the amount of the exchange
rate to some other asset residing in the e-wallet such as a credit
card value token or a debit card value token); (5) view a selection
of options for delivery of the electronic value token selected for
acquisition such as (i) delivery into the e-wallet (or sub-wallet),
(ii) delivery via email, SMS, social media, or other electronic
method to a personal digital assistant or computer, (iii) print out
of a tangible version of the electronic value token (e.g., via
print on receipt-type capability as described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/719,741 which is incorporated by reference
in its entirety) at the kiosk or other user-selected print device.
The user may make its desired selections in response to the
information provided in each of the above-describe screens, as each
of the described screen view options include functionality allowing
for selection of the displayed options. In this example, the user
selects that the Retailer B $25.00 electronic value token residing
in the e-wallet is to be exchanged for a Retailer A electronic
value token. As a result, the electronic value token exchange
program prompts the kiosk 189 to display that the requested
exchange will result in the user acquiring a Retailer A electronic
value token in the amount of $24.75 if the user selects that the
exchange rate be applied against the value of the Retailer A
electronic value token (the exchange rate will vary from
transaction to transaction, the exchange rate could be any value,
e.g., $0.001 to $10.00, or any values below, within, or above this
range). The user makes such selection. The electronic value token
exchange program prompts the kiosk 189 to display the available
delivery methods and the user selects delivery into the e-wallet.
The electronic value token exchange program prompts the kiosk 189
to display another screen similar to FIG. 6C, but indicating that
the e-wallet now contains a Retailer A electronic value token in
the amount of $24.75.
[0177] As a result of the above "Exchange" transaction, the
e-wallet user received its desired Retailer A electronic value
token and the electronic value token exchange program received a
Retailer B $25.00 electronic value token. As part of the
above-described transaction, the electronic value token exchange
program contacted the electronic value token issuing entity of
Retailer A electronic value tokens (e.g., in an embodiment issuing
entity of Retailer A electronic value tokens could be the
electronic value token exchange program 2000) and requested a
Retailer A $24.75 electronic value token be provided to meet the
e-wallet user's request; alternatively, the electronic value token
exchange program modified a Retailer A electronic value token it
already controlled, e.g., modified a Retailer A $25.00 electronic
value token to only be worth $24.75 and informed the issuing entity
of Retailer A electronic value tokens that it could reduce its
liability associated with said card by $0.25. Further, the
electronic value token exchange program 2000 will contact the
Retailer B electronic value token issuer and provide the issuer
with the appropriate Retailer B $25.00 electronic value token
identification so that the issuer can remove that Retailer B $25.00
electronic value token from its list of liabilities. Thus, as an
end result, the electronic value token exchange program's
activities have resulted in a $0.25 value (the exchange rate, i.e.,
difference in value of electronic value token acquired by
requesting user and electronic value token surrendered by
requesting user as part of the exchange) that may be allocated to
interested parties per established contractual obligations.
[0178] In an alternative scenario, if the e-wallet requesting user
selects the exchange rate to be satisfied by another asset residing
in the e-wallet or sub-wallet, such as a credit card electronic
value token or a debit card electronic value token, the e-wallet
user would be provided with a $25.00 Retailer A electronic value
token matching the $25.00 Retailer A electronic value token
surrendered in the transaction and the exchange rate of $0.25 would
be realized from charging against the credit card electronic value
token or debiting against the debit card electronic value token.
Such actions would be transacted with communications between the
electronic value token exchange program and the credit card
electronic value token or the debit card electronic value token
requesting that the $0.25 exchange rate value be paid to the
electronic value token exchange program. Thus, again as an end
result, the electronic value token exchange program's activities
would have resulted in a $0.25 value (the exchange rate) that may
be allocated to interested parties per established contractual
obligations.
[0179] The above-described electronic value token exchange
transaction (or any described variation thereof), although
described in the kiosk 189 context, could also be performed at
point of sale, via a personal digital assistant with e-wallet
functionality, or via a computer with access the user's
e-wallet.
[0180] In an alternative electronic value token exchange
embodiment, as discussed previously, the e-wallet may automatically
direct electronic value token exchange activities. For example, the
e-wallet user may manage the e-wallet so that upon the occasion
when the user presents the e-wallet to satisfy a transaction at
retail establishment, e.g., Retailer Q, and the e-wallet contains
no Retailer Q branded electronic value tokens, the e-wallet will
automatically, and in real time, initiate an electronic value token
exchange process wherein the e-wallet communicates a request for
electronic value token exchange to the electronic value token
transaction computer 150. In this example, the e-wallet user has
managed the e-wallet so that all electronic value tokens associated
with prepaid services (gift card-type electronic value tokens) are
located in a designated sub-wallet and each of said electronic
value tokens were placed/ordered/designated in the sub-wallet via a
preferential ranking system, e.g., most preferred electronic value
token or token type (e.g., #1) to least preferred electronic value
token or token type (e.g., #22, if there are 22 types of electronic
value tokens in the sub-wallet. For example, Retailer M branded
electronic value tokens may be designated as most preferred and
Retailer L branded electronic value tokens may be designated as
least preferred. Further in the example, the e-wallet also has been
provided with rules by the user that directs the e-wallet, in
circumstances wherein the e-wallet has been presented to facilitate
a transaction at a retailer in which the e-wallet contains none of
said retailer's electronic value tokens (the e-wallet will
recognize the retailer based on information exchanged between the
e-wallet and the retailer's communication devices at the onset of
the original transaction), such as the Retailer Q scenario
described above, the e-wallet rules direct the e-wallet to initiate
an electronic value token exchange request and to include in said
request the exchange of the least preferred electronic value token
residing in the e-wallet, i.e., the Retailer L branded electronic
value token (#22) and if necessary preferred electronic value token
#21, #20, etc., for a Retailer Q electronic value token in an
amount sufficient to meet the original transaction's amount. The
electronic value token transaction computer 150, upon receipt of
the electronic value token exchange request, communicates with an
electronic value token exchange program 2000, e.g., an electronic
value token distributor, (which is part of the overall electronic
value token transaction processing system 100) to effectuate the
requested electronic value token exchange. The requested electronic
value token exchange is performed, the e-wallet receives the
requested Retailer Q branded electronic value token, which is
coincidentally used in conducting the original transaction, and the
e-wallet surrenders (or makes unavailable for use and only
available for modification) the Retailer L branded electronic value
token to the electronic value token transaction computer 150, which
in this case was actually valued in excess of the requested
Retailer Q branded electronic value token. As such, the electronic
value token transaction computer 150, modifies the value of the
Retailer L branded electronic value token (either internally or via
communication with the Retailer L branded electronic value token's
issuing system) to reflect the value reduction based on the
provided Retailer Q branded electronic value token, extracts the
exchange rate for the exchange of the Retailer Q branded electronic
value token for the Retailer L branded electronic value token (as
will be discussed more fully herein), communicates the
transactional information to all interested parties, and returns
(or makes available again) the value-modified Retailer L branded
value token to the user's e-wallet.
[0181] In an alternate embodiment, the e-wallet's electronic value
token exchange rules could have provided that the e-wallet query
the electronic value token transaction computer 150 regarding the
best available exchange rate for the electronic value tokens
residing in the e-wallet and make the exchange based on the best
exchange rate rather than the ranking of the electronic value
tokens. Further the e-wallet user may subjectively determine which
electronic token(s) should be exchanged to satisfy a
transaction.
[0182] In an embodiment, the electronic token exchange program 2000
may survey a user's e-wallets and sub-wallets maintained by the
electronic value token transaction computer 150 and make the
e-wallet user an offer(s) for electronic value token exchange(s).
For example, the electronic token exchange program 2000, as part of
the survey may determine, based on (i) the history of the
e-wallet's use; (ii) the length of time an unused electronic value
token has resided in an e-wallet; (iii) the demand for certain
electronic value tokens in the marketplace; (iv) dates for spoilage
of electronic value tokens; (v) promotional offers for acquiring
electronic value tokens; and (vi) combinations thereof, to offer an
e-wallet user to exchange an electronic value token(s) presently
residing in the user's e-wallet/sub-wallet for an electronic value
token(s) not presently residing in the user's e-wallet/sub-wallet.
In an embodiment, the electronic token exchange program 2000 may
supplement the offer for exchange with a value added/bonus
incentive as described previously herein. In another embodiment,
the offer may include an option for the user to place a portion of
the exchange value amount into a savings wallet, as will be more
fully below.
[0183] As referenced with respect to both the primary e-wallet and
sub-wallet embodiments described above, the disclosed e-wallet and
sub-wallet methods and systems provide users with the ability to
designate the locations of value tokens residing in an e-wallet or
sub-wallet, as well as rules prescribing the use and/or
availability of said e-wallet and/or sub-wallet. As also described
herein, electronic value token(s) may be removed from a sub-wallet
configured to allow redemption activities (hereinafter
"fully-redeemable" designated e-wallet or sub-wallet) and placed
into a sub-wallet configured for savings activities with limited
redemption possibilities (hereinafter "savings" designated e-wallet
or sub-wallet). In fact, the instant system provides for electronic
value token(s) to be placed into a "savings" designated e-wallet or
sub-wallet at the time the electronic value token is made available
to the e-wallet or sub-wallet.
[0184] In an embodiment, electronic value tokens may be designated
for and/or placed in certain e-wallets and/or sub-wallets which
have rules providing that the e-wallets or sub-wallets are to be
used for savings activities and thus are not readily available for
general access or for redemption/exchange activities. In an
embodiment, similar savings capabilities, functionalities,
requirements, and limitations of the instantly described electronic
value token transaction processing system 100 are detailed and
described in International Application Serial No. PCT/US11/49338
which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, such similar
savings capabilities, functionalities, requirements, and
limitations may be adapted from the context described in
International Application Serial No. PCT/US11/49338 to be applied
in the instant e-wallet/electronic value token context.
[0185] At least in some embodiments, allows a user to easily
redistribute electronic value tokens (e.g., debit card-related
electronic value tokens) from a "fully-redeemable" designated
e-wallet or sub-wallet to a "savings" designated e-wallet or
sub-wallet, and vice versa. The user may be limited by law to a
given number of, e.g., six, transfers out of the "savings"
designated e-wallet or sub-wallet to the "fully-redeemable"
designated e-wallet or sub-wallet per calendar month. The user may
designate one-time transfers through the e-wallet system's website,
IVR, personal digital assistant or smart phone, or with a customer
service representative. The user may also establish and automated
transfers between the "fully-redeemable" designated e-wallet or
sub-wallet and the "savings" designated e-wallet or sub-wallet. To
encourage savings, users may be presented with option to
automatically fund the "savings" designated e-wallet or sub-wallet
from the "fully-redeemable" designated e-wallet or sub-wallet that
may be triggered by various transaction events, including: (a) upon
receiving a direct deposit, (b) when a reload/recharge/topping up
transaction occurs, and/or (c) at a designated time interval (e.g.,
recurring weekly or monthly). The user can elect all, some, or none
of the options available. Moreover, the above events may be
transacted regardless of the "fully-redeemable" designated or
"savings" designated e-wallet or sub-wallet's current balance. The
user may have the ability to select an amount or percent of
electronic value tokens loaded onto "fully-redeemable" designated
e-wallet or sub-wallet. Where the user chooses a time interval for
automatic transfers, the user may be able to select a preferred
date. The user would have the flexibility to update, edit, or
otherwise change the automatic funding option at any time. Any
negative "fully-redeemable" designated e-wallet or sub-wallet may
need to be cured prior to initiating any automatic or one-time
transfers to "savings" designated e-wallet or sub-wallet. If an
automatic transfer cannot be fully funded or cannot be funded at
all, any amounts available will be taken from the
"fully-redeemable" designated e-wallet or sub-wallet to the
"savings" designated e-wallet or sub-wallet and a notification will
be provided to the e-wallet user describing the transaction.
Automatic transfers will continue thereafter for the designated
transfer option and amount.
[0186] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 above
may be implemented on any particular machine with sufficient
processing power, memory resources, and network throughput
capability to handle the necessary workload placed upon it.
[0187] All of, or a portion of, the system described above may be
implemented on any particular machine, or machines, with sufficient
processing power, memory resources, and throughput capability to
handle the necessary workload placed upon the computer, or
computers. FIG. 5 illustrates a computer system 580 suitable for
implementing all, or a portion of, one or more embodiments
disclosed herein. The computer system 580 includes a processor 582
(which may be referred to as a central processor unit or CPU) that
is in communication with memory devices including secondary storage
584, read only memory (ROM) 586, random access memory (RAM) 588,
input/output (I/O) devices 590, and network connectivity devices
592. The processor 582 may be implemented as one or more CPU
chips.
[0188] It is understood that by programming and/or loading
executable instructions onto the computer system 580, at least one
of the CPU 582, the RAM 588, and the ROM 586 are changed,
transforming the computer system 580 in part into a particular
machine or apparatus having the novel functionality taught by the
present disclosure. It is fundamental to the electrical engineering
and software engineering arts that functionality that can be
implemented by loading executable software into a computer can be
converted to a hardware implementation by well known design rules.
Decisions between implementing a concept in software versus
hardware typically hinge on considerations of stability of the
design and numbers of units to be produced rather than any issues
involved in translating from the software domain to the hardware
domain. Generally, a design that is still subject to frequent
change may be preferred to be implemented in software, because
re-spinning a hardware implementation is more expensive than
re-spinning a software design. Generally, a design that is stable
that will be produced in large volume may be preferred to be
implemented in hardware, for example in an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), because for large production runs the
hardware implementation may be less expensive than the software
implementation. Often a design may be developed and tested in a
software form and later transformed, by well known design rules, to
an equivalent hardware implementation in an application specific
integrated circuit that hardwires the instructions of the software.
In the same manner as a machine controlled by a new ASIC is a
particular machine or apparatus, likewise a computer that has been
programmed and/or loaded with executable instructions may be viewed
as a particular machine or apparatus.
[0189] The secondary storage 584 is typically comprised of one or
more disk drives or tape drives and is used for non-volatile
storage of data and as an over-flow data storage device if RAM 588
is not large enough to hold all working data. Secondary storage 584
may be used to store programs which are loaded into RAM 588 when
such programs are selected for execution. The ROM 586 is used to
store instructions and perhaps data which are read during program
execution. ROM 586 is a non-volatile memory device which typically
has a small memory capacity relative to the larger memory capacity
of secondary storage 584. The RAM 588 is used to store volatile
data and perhaps to store instructions. Access to both ROM 586 and
RAM 588 is typically faster than to secondary storage 584. The
secondary storage 584, the RAM 588, and/or the ROM 586 may be
referred to in some contexts as computer readable storage media
and/or non-transitory computer readable media.
[0190] I/O devices 590 may include printers, video monitors, liquid
crystal displays (LCDs), touch screen displays, keyboards, keypads,
switches, dials, mice, track balls, voice recognizers, card
readers, paper tape readers, or other well-known input devices.
[0191] The network connectivity devices 592 may take the form of
modems, modem banks, Ethernet cards, universal serial bus (USB)
interface cards, serial interfaces, token ring cards, fiber
distributed data interface (FDDI) cards, wireless local area
network (WLAN) cards, radio transceiver cards such as code division
multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications
(GSM), long-term evolution (LTE), worldwide interoperability for
microwave access (WiMAX), and/or other air interface protocol radio
transceiver cards, and other well-known network devices. These
network connectivity devices 592 may enable the processor 582 to
communicate with the Internet or one or more intranets. With such a
network connection, it is contemplated that the processor 582 might
receive information from the network, or might output information
to the network in the course of performing the above-described
method steps. Such information, which is often represented as a
sequence of instructions to be executed using processor 582, may be
received from and outputted to the network, for example, in the
form of a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave.
[0192] Such information, which may include data or instructions to
be executed using processor 582 for example, may be received from
and outputted to the network, for example, in the form of a
computer data baseband signal or signal embodied in a carrier wave.
The baseband signal or signal embedded in the carrier wave, or
other types of signals currently used or hereafter developed, may
be generated according to several methods well known to one skilled
in the art. The baseband signal and/or signal embedded in the
carrier wave may be referred to in some contexts as a transitory
signal.
[0193] The processor 582 executes instructions, codes, computer
programs, scripts which it accesses from hard disk, floppy disk,
optical disk (these various disk based systems may all be
considered secondary storage 584), ROM 586, RAM 588, or the network
connectivity devices 592. While only one processor 582 is shown,
multiple processors may be present. Thus, while instructions may be
discussed as executed by a processor, the instructions may be
executed simultaneously, serially, or otherwise executed by one or
multiple processors. Instructions, codes, computer programs,
scripts, and/or data that may be accessed from the secondary
storage 584, for example, hard drives, floppy disks, optical disks,
and/or other device, the ROM 586, and/or the RAM 588 may be
referred to in some contexts as non-transitory instructions and/or
non-transitory information.
[0194] In an embodiment, the computer system 580 may comprise two
or more computers in communication with each other that collaborate
to perform a task. For example, but not by way of limitation, an
application may be partitioned in such a way as to permit
concurrent and/or parallel processing of the instructions of the
application. Alternatively, the data processed by the application
may be partitioned in such a way as to permit concurrent and/or
parallel processing of different portions of a data set by the two
or more computers. In an embodiment, virtualization software may be
employed by the computer system 580 to provide the functionality of
a number of servers that is not directly bound to the number of
computers in the computer system 580. For example, virtualization
software may provide twenty virtual servers on four physical
computers. In an embodiment, the functionality disclosed above may
be provided by executing the application and/or applications in a
cloud computing environment. Cloud computing may comprise providing
computing services via a network connection using dynamically
scalable computing resources. Cloud computing may be supported, at
least in part, by virtualization software. A cloud computing
environment may be established by an enterprise and/or may be hired
on an as-needed basis from a third party provider. Some cloud
computing environments may comprise cloud computing resources owned
and operated by the enterprise as well as cloud computing resources
hired and/or leased from a third party provider.
[0195] In an embodiment, some or all of the functionality disclosed
above may be provided as a computer program product. The computer
program product may comprise one or more computer readable storage
medium having computer usable program code embodied therein to
implement the functionality disclosed above. The computer program
product may comprise data structures, executable instructions, and
other computer usable program code. The computer program product
may be embodied in removable computer storage media and/or
non-removable computer storage media. The removable computer
readable storage medium may comprise, without limitation, a paper
tape, a magnetic tape, magnetic disk, an optical disk, a solid
state memory chip, for example analog magnetic tape, compact disk
read only memory (CD-ROM) disks, floppy disks, jump drives, digital
cards, multimedia cards, and others. The computer program product
may be suitable for loading, by the computer system 580, at least
portions of the contents of the computer program product to the
secondary storage 584, to the ROM 586, to the RAM 588, and/or to
other non-volatile memory and volatile memory of the computer
system 580. The processor 582 may process the executable
instructions and/or data structures in part by directly accessing
the computer program product, for example by reading from a CD-ROM
disk inserted into a disk drive peripheral of the computer system
580. Alternatively, the processor 582 may process the executable
instructions and/or data structures by remotely accessing the
computer program product, for example by downloading the executable
instructions and/or data structures from a remote server through
the network connectivity devices 592. The computer program product
may comprise instructions that promote the loading and/or copying
of data, data structures, files, and/or executable instructions to
the secondary storage 584, to the ROM 586, to the RAM 588, and/or
to other non-volatile memory and volatile memory of the computer
system 580.
[0196] In some contexts, the secondary storage 584, the ROM 586,
and the RAM 588 may be referred to as a non-transitory computer
readable medium or a computer readable storage media. A dynamic RAM
embodiment of the RAM 588, likewise, may be referred to as a
non-transitory computer readable medium in that while the dynamic
RAM receives electrical power and is operated in accordance with
its design, for example during a period of time during which the
computer 580 is turned on and operational, the dynamic RAM stores
information that is written to it. Similarly, the processor 582 may
comprise an internal RAM, an internal ROM, a cache memory, and/or
other internal non-transitory storage blocks, sections, or
components that may be referred to in some contexts as
non-transitory computer readable media or computer readable storage
media.
[0197] The ordering of steps in the various processes, data flows,
and flowcharts presented are for illustration purposes and do not
necessarily reflect the order that various steps must be performed.
The steps may be rearranged in different orders in different
embodiments to reflect the needs, desires and preferences of the
entity implementing the systems. Furthermore, many steps may be
performed simultaneously with other steps in some embodiments.
[0198] Also, techniques, systems, subsystems and methods described
and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate
may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules,
techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly
coupled or communicating with each other may be coupled through
some interface or device, such that the items may no longer be
considered directly coupled to each other but may still be
indirectly coupled and in communication, whether electrically,
mechanically, or otherwise with one another. Other examples of
changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one
skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the
spirit and scope disclosed. The following numbered entries
represent a non-exhaustive collection of exemplary embodiments of
the instantly disclosed subject matter:
[0199] 1. A computer implemented method, comprising:
[0200] receiving a request to process a payment transaction against
an electronic wallet;
[0201] identifying authentication information of the request;
[0202] identifying a value token in the electronic wallet; and
[0203] applying at least a portion of the value token to at least a
portion of the request.
[0204] 2. The method of 1, further comprising:
[0205] accepting an authentication token to access the electronic
wallet.
[0206] 3. The method of 2, wherein the authentication information
is based on the authentication token, wherein the authentication
token comprises a proxy card, a mobile device, a password, a
biometric identifier, or combinations thereof.
[0207] 4. The method of 1, wherein the electronic wallet comprises
a primary wallet and a sub-wallet.
[0208] 5. The method of 4, further comprising:
[0209] processing at least a portion of the request via the primary
wallet.
[0210] 6. The method of 4, further comprising:
[0211] processing at least a portion of the request via the
sub-wallet.
[0212] 7. The method of 4, wherein the primary wallet comprises the
value token, the method further comprising:
[0213] determining the request is related to the primary wallet;
and
[0214] determining the value token is capable of meeting the
request.
[0215] 8. The method of 7, wherein applying at least a portion of
the value token comprises applying at least a portion of the value
token of the primary wallet to the request.
[0216] 9. The method of 4, wherein the sub-wallet comprises the
value token, the method further comprising:
[0217] determining the request is related to the sub-wallet;
and
[0218] determining the value token is capable of meeting the
request.
[0219] 10. The method of 9, wherein applying at least a portion of
the value token comprises applying at least a portion of the value
token of the sub-wallet to the request.
[0220] 11. The method of 4, wherein the electronic wallet comprises
two or more value tokens, wherein the primary wallet comprises at
least one of the two or more value tokens, wherein the sub-wallet
comprises at least another of the two or more value tokens.
[0221] 12. The method of 11, further comprising:
[0222] determining a portion of the request is related to the
primary wallet; and
[0223] determining another portion of the request is related to the
sub-wallet.
[0224] 13. The method of 12, further comprising:
[0225] applying at least a portion of the primary wallet's value
token to the request; and
[0226] applying at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value token
to the request.
[0227] 14. The method of 8 or 13, wherein the value token of the
primary wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
primary wallet or the request.
[0228] 15. The method of 10 or 13, wherein the value token of the
sub-wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the sub-wallet
or the request.
[0229] 16. The method of 4, wherein an aggregator system receives
the request, the method further comprising:
[0230] determining at least a portion of the request may be
processed in the sub-wallet; and
[0231] sending the portion of the request from the aggregator
system to a third party.
[0232] 17. The method of 1, wherein the request includes an
identity of a point of sale terminal; authentication information;
an amount of a purchase; an identity of the value token issuer; an
identity of a vendor; an identity of a location; a time of the
request; a date of the request; information identifying a primary
wallet, sub-wallet, or a combination thereof; transaction data;
authentication data; or combinations thereof.
[0233] 18. The method of 1, wherein the value token comprises an
electronic representation of value, wherein the electronic
representation of value comprises a credit card, debit card, gift
card, prepaid telephone card, loyalty card, membership card, ticket
or ticket card, entertainment card, sports card, prepaid card,
coupon, admission pass, prepaid or pre-purchases of goods or
services, cash, currency, credit card account, debit card account,
merchant account, bank account, merchant-issued credit,
merchant-issued point, merchant-issued promotional value,
merchant-accepted credit, merchant-accepted point,
merchant-accepted promotional value, or combinations thereof.
[0234] 19. The method of 18, wherein the value token further
comprises at least two electronic representations of value of
different types.
[0235] 20. The method of 1, wherein the value token comprises a
closed loop account number, wherein applying at least a portion of
the value token comprises crediting or debiting a closed loop
account associated with the closed loop account number.
[0236] 21. The method of 1, wherein the value token comprises an
open loop account number, wherein applying at least a portion of
the value token comprises crediting or debiting an open loop
account associated with the open loop account number.
[0237] 22. The method of 1, wherein applying at least a portion of
the value token comprises using the value token according to a set
of configurable rules specifying priority of the value tokens.
[0238] 23. The method of 22, wherein the priority is based on a
transaction information variable comprising physical location of a
retailer originating the electronic wallet request; transaction
amount; type of retailer; time of day; day of week; week of month;
month of year; department of retailer originating the electronic
wallet request; lane of retailer originating the electronic wallet
request; identification of checker; parent company of a retailer
originating the electronic wallet request; value of value tokens;
type of the electronic wallet request; or combinations thereof.
[0239] 24. The method of 1, wherein applying at least a portion of
the value token comprises using the value token according to a set
of configurable rules specifying percentages of the electronic
wallet request to which value tokens may be applied.
[0240] 25. The method of 1, further comprising:
[0241] examining a rule associated with the electronic wallet.
[0242] 26. The method of 25, wherein examining a rule
comprises:
[0243] examining a priority of the value token.
[0244] 27. The method of 25, wherein examining a rule
comprises:
[0245] examining a percentage of the request;
[0246] wherein applying at least a portion of the value token
comprises applying at least a portion of the value token to the
request according to the percentage.
[0247] 28. The method of 1, wherein the electronic wallet comprises
a closed loop-related value token and an open loop-related value
token, the method further comprising:
[0248] selecting the closed loop-related value token; and
[0249] then selecting the open loop-related value token.
[0250] 29. The method of 1, wherein the electronic wallet comprises
an open loop-related value token, the method further
comprising:
[0251] withholding the open loop-related value token from being
applied to the request.
[0252] 30. The method of 1, further comprising:
[0253] exchanging at least a portion of the value token of the
electronic wallet for at least a portion of a second value token
not located in the electronic wallet.
[0254] 31. The method of 30, further comprising:
[0255] applying an exchange rate against the second value token or
an asset located in the electronic wallet.
[0256] 32. The method of 30, wherein exchanging at least a portion
of the value token comprises:
[0257] contacting a second value token distributor; and
[0258] requesting the second value token distributor to provide the
second value token.
[0259] 33. The method of 1, wherein the electronic wallet comprises
a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, wherein the first
sub-wallet comprises the value token, the method further
comprising:
[0260] placing the value token of the first sub-wallet into the
second sub-wallet.
[0261] 34. The method of 1, further comprising:
[0262] provisioning the electronic wallet with the value token.
[0263] 35. The method of 34, wherein the value token is provisioned
in an amount different than the purchase price.
[0264] 36. The method of 34, wherein provisioning the electronic
wallet comprises encoding the value token with a coupon code.
[0265] 37. The method of 34, wherein provisioning the electronic
wallet comprises adding the value token to the electronic
wallet.
[0266] 38. The method of 1, wherein the electronic wallet comprises
a savings-designated sub-wallet, the method further comprising:
[0267] placing at least a portion of the value token in the
savings-designated sub-wallet.
[0268] 39. A computer implemented method, comprising:
[0269] receiving a request to process a payment transaction against
an electronic wallet;
[0270] determining the request contains valid authentication
information;
[0271] determining a value token, or a combination of value tokens,
associated with the electronic wallet is capable of meeting the
request; and
[0272] applying at least a portion of the value token to at least a
portion of the request.
[0273] 40. The method of 39, further comprising:
[0274] accepting an authentication token to access the electronic
wallet.
[0275] 41. The method of 40, wherein the authentication information
is based on the authentication token, wherein the authentication
token comprises a proxy card, a mobile device, a password, a
biometric identifier, or combinations thereof.
[0276] 42. The method of 39, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a primary wallet and a sub-wallet.
[0277] 43. The method of 42, further comprising:
[0278] processing at least a portion of the request via the primary
wallet.
[0279] 44. The method of 43, further comprising:
[0280] processing at least another portion of the request via the
sub-wallet.
[0281] 45. The method of 42, wherein the primary wallet comprises
the value token, the method further comprising:
[0282] determining the request is related to the primary
wallet;
[0283] wherein applying at least a portion of the value token
comprises applying at least a portion of the value token of the
primary wallet to the request.
[0284] 46. The method of 42, wherein the sub-wallet comprises the
value token, the method further comprising:
[0285] determining the request is related to the sub-wallet;
[0286] wherein applying at least a portion of the value token
comprises applying at least a portion of the value token of the
sub-wallet to the request.
[0287] 47. The method of 42, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises two or more value tokens, wherein the primary wallet
comprises at least one of the two or more value tokens, wherein the
sub-wallet comprises at least another of the two or more value
tokens.
[0288] 48. The method of 47, further comprising:
[0289] determining a portion of the request is related to the
primary wallet; and
[0290] determining another portion of the request is related to the
sub-wallet.
[0291] 49. The method of 48, further comprising:
[0292] applying at least a portion of the primary wallet's value
token to the request; and
[0293] applying at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value token
to the request.
[0294] 50. The method of 45 or 49, wherein the value token of the
primary wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
primary wallet or the request.
[0295] 51. The method of 46 or 49, wherein the value token of the
sub-wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the sub-wallet
or the request.
[0296] 52. The method of 42, wherein an aggregator system receives
the request, the method further comprising:
[0297] determining at least a portion of the request may be
processed in the sub-wallet; and
[0298] sending the portion of the request from the aggregator
system to a third party.
[0299] 53. A method for a sub-wallet in an electronic wallet
system, the method comprising:
[0300] receiving a request to process a payment transaction against
an electronic wallet from a provider of a primary wallet;
[0301] determining a value token is capable of meeting the request;
and
[0302] applying at least a portion of the value token to at least a
portion of the request.
[0303] 54. The method of 53, further comprising:
[0304] determining the request is related to the sub-wallet;
[0305] wherein applying at least a portion of the value token
comprises applying at least a portion of the value token of the
sub-wallet to the request.
[0306] 55. The method of 53, wherein the sub-wallet comprises a
sub-sub-wallet.
[0307] 56. The method of 55, further comprising:
[0308] determining the request is related to the
sub-sub-wallet;
[0309] wherein applying at least a portion of the value token
comprises applying the value token of the sub-sub-wallet to the
request.
[0310] 57. The method of 55, further comprising:
[0311] determining a portion of the request is related to the
sub-wallet; and
[0312] determining another portion of the request is related to the
sub-sub-wallet.
[0313] 58. The method of 55, wherein the sub-wallet comprises two
or more value tokens, wherein the sub-wallet comprises at least one
of the two or more value tokens, wherein the sub-sub-wallet
comprises at least another of the two or more value tokens.
[0314] 59. The method of 58, further comprising:
[0315] applying at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value token
to the request; and
[0316] applying at least a portion of the sub-sub-wallet's value
token to the request.
[0317] 60. The method of 54 or 59, wherein the value token of the
sub-wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the sub-wallet
or the request.
[0318] 61. The method of 56 or 59, wherein the value token of the
sub-sub-wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
sub-sub-wallet or the request.
[0319] 62. A method for managing the contents of an electronic
wallet, comprising:
[0320] receiving a request related to an electronic wallet, wherein
the request comprises an electronic wallet request, a balance
inquiry request, a registration request, an activation request, a
redemption request, or combinations thereof; and
[0321] managing the contents of the electronic wallet according to
the request.
[0322] 63. The method of 62, wherein managing the contents
comprises:
[0323] exchanging at least a portion of a value token of the
electronic wallet for at least a portion of a second value token
not located in the electronic wallet.
[0324] 64. The method of 63, further comprising:
[0325] applying an exchange rate against the second value token or
an asset located in the electronic wallet.
[0326] 65. The method of 63, wherein exchanging at least a portion
of the value token comprises:
[0327] contacting a second value token distributor of the second
value token; and
[0328] requesting the second value token distributor to provide the
second value token.
[0329] 66. The method of 62, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, wherein the
first sub-wallet comprises a value token, the method further
comprising:
[0330] placing the value token of the first sub-wallet into the
second sub-wallet.
[0331] 67. The method of 62, further comprising:
[0332] provisioning the electronic wallet with a value token.
[0333] 68. The method of 67, wherein provisioning the electronic
wallet comprises adding the value token to the electronic
wallet.
[0334] 69. The method of 67, wherein the value token is provisioned
in an amount different than the purchase price.
[0335] 70. The method of 67, wherein provisioning the electronic
wallet comprises encoding the value token with a coupon code.
[0336] 71. The method of 62, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a savings-designated sub-wallet, the method further
comprising:
[0337] placing at least a portion of a value token in the
savings-designated sub-wallet.
[0338] 72. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium
comprising executable instructions that, when executed, cause one
or more processors to:
[0339] receive a request to process a payment transaction against
an electronic wallet;
[0340] identify authentication information of the request;
[0341] identify a value token in the electronic wallet; and
[0342] apply at least a portion of the value token to at least a
portion of the request.
[0343] 73. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium
comprising executable instructions that, when executed, cause one
or more processors to:
[0344] receive a request to process a payment transaction against
an electronic wallet;
[0345] determine the request contains valid authentication
information;
[0346] determine a value token, or a combination of value tokens,
associated with the electronic wallet is capable of meeting the
request; and
[0347] apply at least a portion of the value token to at least a
portion of the request.
[0348] 74. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium
comprising executable instructions that, when executed, cause one
or more processors to:
[0349] receive a request to process a payment transaction against
an electronic wallet from a provider of a primary wallet;
[0350] determine a value token is capable of meeting the request;
and
[0351] apply at least a portion of the value token to at least a
portion of the request.
[0352] 75. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium
comprising executable instructions that, when executed, cause one
or more processors to:
[0353] receive a request related to an electronic wallet, wherein
the request comprises an electronic wallet request, a balance
inquiry request, a registration request, an activation request, a
redemption request, or combinations thereof; and
[0354] manage the contents of the electronic wallet according to
the request.
[0355] 76. A system comprising:
[0356] one or more processors;
[0357] a memory coupled to at least one of the one or more
processors;
[0358] the memory comprising executable instructions that, when
executed, cause the one or more processors to:
[0359] receive a request to process a payment transaction against
an electronic wallet;
[0360] identify authentication information of the request;
[0361] identify a value token in the electronic wallet; and
[0362] apply at least a portion of the value token to at least a
portion of the request.
[0363] 77. The system of 76, wherein the one or more processors are
further caused to accept an authentication token to access the
electronic wallet.
[0364] 78. The system of 77, wherein the authentication information
is based on the authentication token, wherein the authentication
token comprises a proxy card, a mobile device, a password, a
biometric identifier, or combinations thereof.
[0365] 79. The system of 76, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a primary wallet and a sub-wallet.
[0366] 80. The system of 79, wherein the one or more processors are
further caused to process at least a portion of the request via the
primary wallet.
[0367] 81. The system of 79, wherein the one or more processors are
further caused to process at least a portion of the request via the
sub-wallet.
[0368] 82. The system of 79, wherein the primary wallet comprises
the value token, wherein the one or more processors are further
caused to:
[0369] determine the request is related to the primary wallet;
and
[0370] determine the value token is capable of meeting the
request.
[0371] 83. The system of 82, wherein apply at least a portion of
the value token comprises apply at least a portion of the value
token of the primary wallet to the request.
[0372] 84. The system of 79, wherein the sub-wallet comprises the
value token, wherein the one or more processors are further caused
to:
[0373] determine the request is related to the sub-wallet; and
[0374] determine the value token is capable of meeting the
request.
[0375] 85. The system of 84, wherein apply at least a portion of
the value token comprises apply at least a portion of the value
token of the sub-wallet to the request.
[0376] 86. The system of 79, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises two or more value tokens, wherein the primary wallet
comprises at least one of the two or more value tokens, wherein the
sub-wallet comprises at least another of the two or more value
tokens.
[0377] 87. The system of 86, wherein the one or more processors are
further caused to:
[0378] determine a portion of the request is related to the primary
wallet; and
[0379] determine another portion of the request is related to the
sub-wallet.
[0380] 88. The system of 87, further comprising:
[0381] apply at least a portion of the primary wallet's value token
to the request; and
[0382] apply at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value token to
the request.
[0383] 89. The system of 83 or 88, wherein the value token of the
primary wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
primary wallet or the request.
[0384] 90. The system of 85 or 88, wherein the value token of the
sub-wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the sub-wallet
or the request.
[0385] 91. The system of 79, wherein an aggregator system receives
the request, wherein the one or more processors are further caused
to:
[0386] determine at least a portion of the request may be processed
in the sub-wallet; and
[0387] send the portion of the request from the aggregator system
to a third party.
[0388] 92. The system of 76, wherein the request includes an
identity of a point of sale terminal; authentication information;
an amount of a purchase; an identity of the value token issuer; an
identity of a vendor; an identity of a location; a time of the
request; a date of the request; information identifying a primary
wallet, sub-wallet, or a combination thereof; transaction data;
authentication data; or combinations thereof.
[0389] 93. The system of 76, wherein the value token comprises an
electronic representation of value, wherein the electronic
representation of value comprises a credit card, debit card, gift
card, prepaid telephone card, loyalty card, membership card, ticket
or ticket card, entertainment card, sports card, prepaid card,
coupon, admission pass, prepaid or pre-purchases of goods or
services, cash, currency, credit card account, debit card account,
merchant account, bank account, merchant-issued credit,
merchant-issued point, merchant-issued promotional value,
merchant-accepted credit, merchant-accepted point,
merchant-accepted promotional value, or combinations thereof.
[0390] 94. The system of 93, wherein the value token further
comprises at least two electronic representations of value of
different types.
[0391] 95. The system of 76, wherein the value token comprises a
closed loop account number, wherein apply at least a portion of the
value token comprises credit or debit a closed loop account
associated with the closed loop account number.
[0392] 96. The system of 76, wherein the value token comprises an
open loop account number, wherein apply at least a portion of the
value token comprises credit or debit an open loop account
associated with the open loop account number.
[0393] 97. The system of 76, wherein apply at least a portion of
the value token comprises using the value token according to a set
of configurable rules specifying priority of the value tokens.
[0394] 98. The system of 97, wherein the priority is based on a
transaction information variable comprising physical location of a
retailer originating the electronic wallet request; transaction
amount; type of retailer; time of day; day of week; week of month;
month of year; department of retailer originating the electronic
wallet request; lane of retailer originating the electronic wallet
request; identification of checker; parent company of a retailer
originating the electronic wallet request; value of value tokens;
type of the electronic wallet request; or combinations thereof.
[0395] 99. The system of 76, wherein apply at least a portion of
the value token comprises use the value token according to a set of
configurable rules specifying percentages of the electronic wallet
request to which value tokens may be applied.
[0396] 100. The system of 76, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0397] examine a rule associated with the electronic wallet.
[0398] 101. The system of 100, wherein examine a rule
comprises:
[0399] examine a priority of the value token.
[0400] 102. The system of 100, wherein examine a rule
comprises:
[0401] examine a percentage of the request;
[0402] wherein apply at least a portion of the value token
comprises apply at least a portion of the value token to the
request according to the percentage.
[0403] 103. The system of 76, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a closed loop-related value token and an open
loop-related value token, wherein the one or more processors are
further caused to:
[0404] select the closed loop-related value token; and
[0405] then select the open loop-related value token.
[0406] 104. The system of 76, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises an open loop-related value token, wherein the one or more
processors are further caused to:
[0407] withhold the open loop-related value token from being
applied to the request.
[0408] 105. The system of 76, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0409] exchange at least a portion of the value token of the
electronic wallet for at least a portion of a second value token
not located in the electronic wallet.
[0410] 106. The system of 105, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0411] apply an exchange rate against the second value token or an
asset located in the electronic wallet.
[0412] 107. The system of 105, wherein exchange at least a portion
of the value token comprises:
[0413] contact a second value token distributor; and
[0414] request the second value token distributor to provide the
second value token.
[0415] 108. The system of 76, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, wherein the
first sub-wallet comprises the value token, wherein the one or more
processors are further caused to:
[0416] place the value token of the first sub-wallet into the
second sub-wallet.
[0417] 109. The system of 76, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0418] provision the electronic wallet with the value token.
[0419] 110. The system of 109, wherein the value token is
provisioned in an amount different than the purchase price.
[0420] 111. The system of 109, wherein provision the electronic
wallet comprises encode the value token with a coupon code.
[0421] 112. The system of 109, wherein provision the electronic
wallet comprises add the value token to the electronic wallet.
[0422] 113. The system of 76, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a savings-designated sub-wallet, wherein the one or more
processors are further caused to:
[0423] place at least a portion of the value token in the
savings-designated sub-wallet.
[0424] 114. A system comprising:
[0425] one or more processors;
[0426] a memory coupled to at least one of the one or more
processors;
[0427] the memory comprising executable instructions that, when
executed, cause the one or more processors to:
[0428] receive a request to process a payment transaction against
an electronic wallet;
[0429] determine the request contains valid authentication
information;
[0430] determine a value token, or a combination of value tokens,
associated with the electronic wallet is capable of meeting the
request; and
[0431] apply at least a portion of the value token to at least a
portion of the request.
[0432] 115. The system of 114, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0433] accept an authentication token to access the electronic
wallet.
[0434] 116. The system of 115, wherein the authentication
information is based on the authentication token, wherein the
authentication token comprises a proxy card, a mobile device, a
password, a biometric identifier, or combinations thereof.
[0435] 117. The system of 114, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a primary wallet and a sub-wallet.
[0436] 118. The system of 117, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0437] process at least a portion of the request via the primary
wallet.
[0438] 119. The system of 118, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0439] process at least another portion of the request via the
sub-wallet.
[0440] 120. The system of 117, wherein the primary wallet comprises
the value token, wherein the one or more processors are further
caused to:
[0441] determine the request is related to the primary wallet;
[0442] wherein apply at least a portion of the value token
comprises apply at least a portion of the value token of the
primary wallet to the request.
[0443] 121. The system of 117, wherein the sub-wallet comprises the
value token, wherein the one or more processors are further caused
to:
[0444] determine the request is related to the sub-wallet;
[0445] wherein apply at least a portion of the value token
comprises apply at least a portion of the value token of the
sub-wallet to the request.
[0446] 122. The system of 117, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises two or more value tokens, wherein the primary wallet
comprises at least one of the two or more value tokens, wherein the
sub-wallet comprises at least another of the two or more value
tokens.
[0447] 123. The system of 122, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0448] determine a portion of the request is related to the primary
wallet; and
[0449] determine another portion of the request is related to the
sub-wallet
[0450] 124. The system of 123, further comprising:
[0451] apply at least a portion of the primary wallet's value token
to the request; and
[0452] apply at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value token to
the request.
[0453] 125. The system of 120 or 124, wherein the value token of
the primary wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
primary wallet or the request.
[0454] 126. The system of 121 or 124, wherein the value token of
the sub-wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
sub-wallet or the request.
[0455] 127. The system of 117, wherein an aggregator system
receives the request, wherein the one or more processors are
further caused to:
[0456] determine at least a portion of the request may be processed
in the sub-wallet; and
[0457] send the portion of the request from the aggregator system
to a third party.
[0458] 128. A system comprising: [0459] one or more processors;
[0460] a memory coupled to at least one of the one or more
processors; [0461] the memory comprising executable instructions
that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to: [0462]
receive a request to process a payment transaction against an
electronic wallet from a provider of a primary wallet; [0463]
determine a value token is capable of meeting the request; and
[0464] apply at least a portion of the value token to at least a
portion of the request.
[0465] 129. The system of 128, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to: [0466] determine the request is related to
the sub-wallet; [0467] wherein apply at least a portion of the
value token comprises apply at least a portion of the value token
of the sub-wallet to the request.
[0468] 130. The system of 128, wherein the sub-wallet comprises a
sub-sub-wallet.
[0469] 131. The system of 130, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to: [0470] determine the request is related to
the sub-sub-wallet; [0471] wherein apply at least a portion of the
value token comprises apply the value token of the sub-sub-wallet
to the request.
[0472] 132. The system of 130, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to: [0473] determine a portion of the request is
related to the sub-wallet; and [0474] determine another portion of
the request is related to the sub-sub-wallet.
[0475] 133. The system of 130, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises two or more value tokens, wherein the sub-wallet
comprises at least one of the two or more value tokens, wherein the
sub-sub-wallet comprises at least another of the two or more value
tokens.
[0476] 134. The system of 133, further comprising: [0477] apply at
least a portion of the sub wallet's value token to the request; and
[0478] apply at least a portion of the sub-sub-wallet's value token
to the request.
[0479] 135. The system of 129 or 134, wherein the value token of
the sub-wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
sub-wallet or the request.
[0480] 136. The system of 131 or 134, wherein the value token of
the sub-sub-wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
sub-sub-wallet or the request.
[0481] 137. A system, comprising: [0482] one or more processors;
[0483] a memory coupled to at least one of the one or more
processors; [0484] the memory comprising executable instructions
that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to:
[0485] receive a request related to an electronic wallet, wherein
the request comprises an electronic wallet request, a balance
inquiry request, a registration request, an activation request, a
redemption request, or combinations thereof; and
[0486] manage the contents of the electronic wallet according to
the request.
[0487] 138. The system of 137, wherein manage the content
comprises: [0488] exchange at least a portion of a value token of
the electronic wallet for at least a portion of a second value
token not located in the electronic wallet.
[0489] 139. The system of 138, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to: [0490] apply an exchange rate against the
second value token or an asset located in the electronic
wallet.
[0491] 140. The system of 138, wherein exchange at least a portion
of the value token comprises:
[0492] contact a second value token distributor of the second value
token; and
[0493] request the second value token distributor to provide the
second value token.
[0494] 141. The system of 137, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, wherein the
first sub-wallet comprises a value token, wherein the one or more
processors are further caused to:
[0495] place the value token of the first sub-wallet into the
second sub-wallet.
[0496] 142. The system of 137, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0497] provision the electronic wallet with a value token.
[0498] 143. The system of 142, wherein the value token is
provisioned in an amount different than the purchase price.
[0499] 144. The system of 142, wherein provision the electronic
wallet comprises encode the value token with a coupon code.
[0500] 145. The system of 142, wherein provision the electronic
wallet comprises add the value token to the electronic wallet.
[0501] 146. The system of 137, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a savings-designated sub-wallet, wherein the one or more
processors are further caused to:
[0502] place at least a portion of a value token in the
savings-designated sub-wallet.
[0503] 147. A system comprising:
one or more processors; a memory coupled to at least one of the one
or more processors; the memory comprising executable instructions
that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to:
[0504] receive a request to process a payment transaction against
an electronic wallet;
[0505] identify authentication information of the request;
[0506] identify a value token in the electronic wallet; and
[0507] apply at least a portion of the value token to at least a
portion of the request.
[0508] 148. The system of 147, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to accept an authentication token to access the
electronic wallet.
[0509] 149. The system of 148, wherein the authentication
information is based on the authentication token, wherein the
authentication token comprises a proxy card, a mobile device, a
password, a biometric identifier, or combinations thereof.
[0510] 150. The system of 149, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a primary wallet and a sub-wallet.
[0511] 151. The system of 150, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to process at least a portion of the request via
the primary wallet.
[0512] 152. The system of 151, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to process at least a portion of the request via
the sub-wallet.
[0513] 153. The system of 152, wherein the primary wallet comprises
the value token, wherein the one or more processors are further
caused to: [0514] determine the request is related to the primary
wallet; and [0515] determine the value token is capable of meeting
the request.
[0516] 154. The system of 153, wherein apply at least a portion of
the value token comprises apply at least a portion of the value
token of the primary wallet to the request.
[0517] 155. The system of 154, wherein the sub-wallet comprises the
value token, wherein the one or more processors are further caused
to: [0518] determine the request is related to the sub-wallet; and
[0519] determine the value token is capable of meeting the
request.
[0520] 156. The system of 155, wherein apply at least a portion of
the value token comprises apply at least a portion of the value
token of the sub-wallet to the request.
[0521] 157. The system of 156, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises two or more value tokens, wherein the primary wallet
comprises at least one of the two or more value tokens, wherein the
sub-wallet comprises at least another of the two or more value
tokens.
[0522] 158. The system of 157, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to: [0523] determine a portion of the request is
related to the primary wallet; and [0524] determine another portion
of the request is related to the sub-wallet.
[0525] 159. The system of 158, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0526] apply at least a portion of the primary wallet's value token
to the request; and
[0527] apply at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value token to
the request.
[0528] 160. The system of 159, wherein the value token of the
primary wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
primary wallet.
[0529] 161. The system of 159, wherein the value token of the
primary wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
request.
[0530] 162. The system of 159, wherein the value token of the
sub-wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
sub-wallet.
[0531] 163. The system of 159, wherein the value token of the
sub-wallet is applied to the request under a rule of the
request.
[0532] 164. The system of 159, wherein an aggregator system
receives the request, wherein the one or more processors are
further caused to:
[0533] determine at least a portion of the request may be processed
in the sub-wallet; and
[0534] send the portion of the request from the aggregator system
to a third party.
[0535] 165. The system of 164, wherein the request includes an
identity of a point of sale terminal; authentication information;
an amount of a purchase; an identity of the value token issuer; an
identity of a vendor; an identity of a location; a time of the
request; a date of the request; information identifying a primary
wallet, sub-wallet, or a combination thereof; transaction data;
authentication data; or combinations thereof.
[0536] 166. The system of 165, wherein the value token comprises an
electronic representation of value, wherein the electronic
representation of value comprises a credit card, debit card, gift
card, prepaid telephone card, loyalty card, membership card, ticket
or ticket card, entertainment card, sports card, prepaid card,
coupon, admission pass, prepaid or pre-purchases of goods or
services, cash, currency, credit card account, debit card account,
merchant account, bank account, merchant-issued credit,
merchant-issued point, merchant-issued promotional value,
merchant-accepted credit, merchant-accepted point,
merchant-accepted promotional value, or combinations thereof.
[0537] 167. The system of 166, wherein the value token further
comprises at least two electronic representations of value of
different types.
[0538] 168. The system of 167, wherein the value token comprises a
closed loop account number, wherein apply at least a portion of the
value token comprises credit or debit a closed loop account
associated with the closed loop account number.
[0539] 169. The system of 168, wherein the value token comprises an
open loop account number, wherein apply at least a portion of the
value token comprises credit or debit an open loop account
associated with the open loop account number.
[0540] 170. The system of 169, wherein apply at least a portion of
the value token comprises using the value token according to a set
of configurable rules specifying priority of the value tokens.
[0541] 171. The system of 170, wherein the priority is based on a
transaction information variable comprising physical location of a
retailer originating the electronic wallet request; transaction
amount; type of retailer; time of day; day of week; week of month;
month of year; department of retailer originating the electronic
wallet request; lane of retailer originating the electronic wallet
request; identification of checker; parent company of a retailer
originating the electronic wallet request; value of value tokens;
type of the electronic wallet request; or combinations thereof.
[0542] 172. The system of 171, wherein apply at least a portion of
the value token comprises use the value token according to a set of
configurable rules specifying percentages of the electronic wallet
request to which value tokens may be applied.
[0543] 173. The system of 172, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0544] examine a rule associated with the electronic wallet.
[0545] 174. The system of 173, wherein examine a rule
comprises:
[0546] examine a priority of the value token.
[0547] 175. The system of 174, wherein examine a rule
comprises:
[0548] examine a percentage of the request;
[0549] wherein apply at least a portion of the value token
comprises apply at least a portion of the value token to the
request according to the percentage.
[0550] 176. The system of 175, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a closed loop-related value token and an open
loop-related value token, wherein the one or more processors are
further caused to:
[0551] select the closed loop-related value token; and
[0552] then select the open loop-related value token.
[0553] 177. The system of 176, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises an open loop-related value token, wherein the one or more
processors are further caused to:
[0554] withhold the open loop-related value token from being
applied to the request.
[0555] 178. The system of 177, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0556] exchange at least a portion of the value token of the
electronic wallet for at least a portion of a second value token
not located in the electronic wallet.
[0557] 179. The system of 178, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0558] apply an exchange rate against the second value token or an
asset located in the electronic wallet.
[0559] 180. The system of 179, wherein exchange at least a portion
of the value token comprises:
[0560] contact a second value token distributor; and
[0561] request the second value token distributor to provide the
second value token.
[0562] 181. The system of 180, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, wherein the
first sub-wallet comprises the value token, wherein the one or more
processors are further caused to:
[0563] place the value token of the first sub-wallet into the
second sub-wallet.
[0564] 182. The system of 181, wherein the one or more processors
are further caused to:
[0565] provision the electronic wallet with the value token.
[0566] 183. The system of 182, wherein the value token is
provisioned in an amount different than the purchase price.
[0567] 184. The system of 183, wherein provision the electronic
wallet comprises encode the value token with a coupon code.
[0568] 185. The system of 184, wherein provision the electronic
wallet comprises add the value token to the electronic wallet.
[0569] 186. The system of 185, wherein the electronic wallet
comprises a savings-designated sub-wallet, wherein the one or more
processors are further caused to:
[0570] place at least a portion of the value token in the
savings-designated sub-wallet.
[0571] There has been described herein an electronic value token
transaction processing system that allows users to purchase,
redeem, and/or exchange electronic value tokens residing in an
electronic wallet. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the disclosure. The embodiments described are
representative only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many
variations, combinations, and modifications of the applications
disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by
the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which
follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter
of the claims.
* * * * *