U.S. patent application number 14/107447 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for routing for direct to account payments.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Western Union Company. The applicant listed for this patent is The Western Union Company. Invention is credited to Terra Grantham, Michael Kilbane, Nicholas LeCuyer.
Application Number | 20140129429 14/107447 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46048683 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140129429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LeCuyer; Nicholas ; et
al. |
May 8, 2014 |
ROUTING FOR DIRECT TO ACCOUNT PAYMENTS
Abstract
Various systems and methods are described for analyzing multiple
money transfer routing schemes. Each of these multiple money
transfer routing schemes may comprise a route to transmit funds
from the source for the money transfer transaction to the
destination for the money transfer transaction. An internal money
transfer routing scheme may refer to a money transfer routing
scheme that utilizes a direct money transfer arrangement between
the destination of the money transfer transaction and the money
transfer network. An external money transfer routing scheme may
refer to a money transfer routing scheme that utilizes at least one
third party money transfer network between the destination of the
money transfer transaction and the money transfer network. The
multiple money transfer routing schemes may be analyzed and the
preferable money transfer routing scheme at least partially based
on the predefined criterion from among the multiple money transfer
routing schemes may be identified.
Inventors: |
LeCuyer; Nicholas;
(Centennial, CO) ; Grantham; Terra; (Boulder,
CO) ; Kilbane; Michael; (Castle Rock, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Western Union Company |
Englewood |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Western Union Company
Englewood
CO
|
Family ID: |
46048683 |
Appl. No.: |
14/107447 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12946613 |
Nov 15, 2010 |
8612345 |
|
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14107447 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 40/02 20130101;
G06Q 40/06 20130101; G06Q 20/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/39 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/26 20060101
G06Q020/26 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: selecting, by a computer system, a
plurality of money transfer routing schemes, wherein each the
plurality of money transfer routing schemes comprises a route to
transmit funds from a source for the money transfer transaction to
a destination for the money transfer transaction; determining, by
the computer system, a preferable money transfer routing scheme
from among the plurality of money transfer routing schemes, based
at least in part on predefined criterion; causing, with the
computer system, at least a subset of the plurality of money
transfer routing schemes to be presented at a user interface,
wherein the subset includes the preferable money transfer routing
scheme and at least one other money transfer routing scheme; and
receiving from the user interface, by the computer system, a
selection of a particular money transfer routing scheme from among
the subset of the plurality of money transfer routing schemes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, and is a continuation
of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/946,613 filed Nov. 15,
2010, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,612,345 on Dec. 17, 2013,
entitled "Routing for Direct to Account Payments". The
aforementioned application is hereby incorporated by reference, for
all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It may be possible to transmit money to an account held at a
financial institution from some other financial institution whether
or not the two financial institutions have a pre-existing
relationship. If the financial institutions do not have a
pre-existing relationship (or have only a limited pre-existing
relationship), the funds may be transmitted via a third-party
financial network. If the financial institutions do have a
pre-existing relationship, it may be possible to transmit the funds
directly between the financial institutions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In some embodiments, a method for analyzing multiple money
transfer routing schemes to identify a preferable money transfer
routing scheme from among the multiple money transfer routing
schemes according to at least one predefined criterion is
presented. The method may include receiving at least one predefined
criterion, wherein the predefined criterion is used to analyze
multiple money transfer routing schemes; receiving an indication of
a source for a money transfer transaction; and receiving an
indication of a destination for the money transfer transaction. The
method may also include determining multiple money transfer routing
schemes. Each of the multiple money transfer routing schemes may
comprise a route to transmit funds from the source for the money
transfer transaction to the destination for the money transfer
transaction. At least one internal money transfer routing scheme
and at least one external money transfer routing scheme may be
analyzed. An internal money transfer routing scheme may refer to a
money transfer routing scheme that utilizes a direct money transfer
arrangement between the destination of the money transfer
transaction and the money transfer network. An external money
transfer routing scheme may refer to a money transfer routing
scheme that utilizes at least one third party money transfer
network between the destination of the money transfer transaction
and the money transfer network. The method may also include
analyzing the multiple money transfer routing schemes; and
identifying the preferable money transfer routing scheme at least
partially based on the predefined criterion from among the analyzed
multiple money transfer routing schemes.
[0004] In some embodiments, one or more of the following elements
may be present: the multiple money transfer routing schemes may
relate to international money transfer routing schemes and the
preferable money transfer routing scheme is an international money
transfer routing scheme; the preferable money transfer routing
scheme may be an internal money transfer routing scheme; the
preferable money transfer routing scheme may be an external money
transfer routing scheme; the predefined criterion may be used to
identify the preferable money transfer routing scheme according to
a maximized amount of profitability of the money transfer
transaction for the money transfer network. In some embodiments,
the predefined criterion is used to identify the preferable money
transfer routing scheme according to a minimized amount of time to
execute the money transfer transaction. In some embodiments, the
method further includes routing the money transfer transaction from
the source to the destination according to the preferable money
transfer routing scheme. In some embodiments, the method further
includes presenting at least a subset of the multiple money
transfer routing schemes to a customer; presenting the preferable
money transfer routing scheme to the customer; and receiving a
selection of a money transfer routing scheme from among at least
the subset of the multiple routing schemes and the preferable money
transfer routing scheme.
[0005] In some embodiments, a system for analyzing multiple money
transfer routing schemes to identify a preferable money transfer
routing scheme from among the multiple money transfer routing
schemes according to at least one predefined criterion is
presented. The system may include a money transfer computer system
comprising a routing computer system configured to: communicate
with multiple external money transfer computer systems; receive at
least one predefined criterion, wherein the predefined criterion is
used to analyze multiple money transfer routing schemes; receive an
indication of a source for a money transfer transaction; receive an
indication of a destination for the money transfer transaction;
determine multiple money transfer routing schemes. Each of the
multiple money transfer routing schemes may include a route to
transmit funds from the source for the money transfer transaction
to the destination for the money transfer transaction. At least one
internal money transfer routing scheme and at least one external
money transfer routing scheme may be analyzed. An internal money
transfer routing scheme may refer to a money transfer routing
scheme that utilizes a direct money transfer arrangement between
the destination of the money transfer transaction and the money
transfer network. An external money transfer routing scheme may
refer to a money transfer routing scheme that utilizes at least one
third party money transfer network between the destination of the
money transfer transaction and the money transfer network. The
routing computer system may also be configured to determine
multiple money transfer routing schemes; and identify the
preferable money transfer routing scheme at least partially based
on the predefined criterion from among the multiple money transfer
routing schemes.
[0006] In some embodiments, a computer program product stored on a
computer-readable storage medium for analyzing multiple money
transfer routing schemes to identify a preferable money transfer
routing scheme from among the multiple money transfer routing
schemes according to at least one predefined criterion may be
present. The computer program product's instructions may include
instructions for receiving at least one predefined criterion,
wherein the predefined criterion is used to analyze multiple money
transfer routing schemes; receiving an indication of a source for a
money transfer transaction; receiving an indication of a
destination for the money transfer transaction; and determining
multiple money transfer routing schemes. Each of the multiple money
transfer routing schemes may include a route to transmit funds from
the source for the money transfer transaction to the destination
for the money transfer transaction. At least one internal money
transfer routing scheme and at least one external money transfer
routing scheme may be analyzed. An internal money transfer routing
scheme may refer to a money transfer routing scheme that utilizes a
direct money transfer arrangement between the destination of the
money transfer transaction and the money transfer network. An
external money transfer routing scheme may refer to a money
transfer routing scheme that utilizes at least one third party
money transfer network between the destination of the money
transfer transaction and the money transfer network. The computer
program product may also include for analyzing multiple money
transfer routing schemes; and identifying the preferable money
transfer routing scheme at least partially based on the predefined
criterion from among the analyzed multiple money transfer routing
schemes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
embodiment of a money transfer system.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
embodiment of a money transfer system that interacts with multiple
third party financial networks.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
embodiment of a routing system of a money transfer system utilizing
various internal and external money transfer routing schemes to
conduct a money transfer transaction.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for identifying, selecting, and
executing a preferable money transfer scheme.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for identifying, receiving a
selection of a preferable money transfer routing scheme from a
customer, and executing the selected money transfer scheme.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a selection window a customer may use to
select a money transfer scheme.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a simplified embodiment of a computer
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A third party financial network may be used to exchange
funds between financial institutions, such as banks and/or money
transfer service providers. In instances where two financial
institutions use multiple different third party financial networks,
more than one different third party financial network may be used
for the financial transaction. Besides third party financial
networks, the financial institutions may have a direct relationship
through which the financial transaction may be conducted. In such a
situation, a decision may need to be made as to how to route the
funds of the financial transaction: via one of the third party
financial networks or via the direct relationship. There are
several factors which may be evaluated. Speed may be one factor.
While one form of money transfer may guarantee funds are
transferred within a day, the other form of funds transfer may
result in a substantially longer (e.g., several days) or smaller
(e.g., near real time) period of time. Cost may be another factor.
While one form of money transfer may cost very little for a
financial institution to conduct, another form of money transfer
may cost several times more.
[0015] One situation where multiple options for routing a financial
transaction, such as a money transfer transaction, may be present
is an international money transfer transaction to an account held
by a bank located in another country. The financial institution
that holds the source of the funds (e.g., the source) may have a
relationship with the bank (or other financial institution) holding
the account that is serving as the destination of the funds (e.g.,
the destination). Additionally, the source may be able to send a
money transfer to the destination through one or more third party
financial networks. Before the money transfer is conducted,
multiple money transfer routing schemes may be evaluated that
utilize the various direct connections or third party financial
networks available to determine which is preferable for the money
transfer transaction. The preferable money transfer routing scheme
from among the available money transfer routing schemes may be
determined based on one or more predefined criteria. An example of
a predefined criterion may be to always use the least expensive
money transfer routing scheme as long as the transaction will
complete in less than three days. In some embodiments, a customer,
who may be either receiving or sending the funds of the money
transfer transaction, may select the preferable routing scheme from
the available routing schemes based on the customer's preference
(e.g., as quick as possible, as cheap as possible, as reliably as
possible, etc.).
[0016] Whether the customer selects the preferable routing scheme
or the preferable routing scheme is determined by the money
transfer system according to predefined criteria, the money
transfer transaction may be completed using the preferable money
transfer routing scheme.
[0017] To implement such routing of money transfer transactions, a
money transfer system may be used. FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified
embodiment of a money transfer system 100. Such a money transfer
system may be operated by an entity such as WESTERN UNION and may
be capable of performing a variety of money transfer transactions
from payors to payees. For example, money transfer system 100 may
be capable of performing wire transfers, money transfers, and/or
bill payment transactions. Other services may include the ability
to issue and reload prepaid stored value cards with funds, and the
ability to send gift cards to a party (and reload such cards with
funds). A wire transfer may be made from one party to another
party, and may involve cash being transferred. Money transfer
system 100 may include one or more agent locations 120, one or more
websites 140, telephone operator and/or interactive voice response
(IVR) systems 150, mobile devices 160, a money transfer server
system 110, a transaction database 114, a compliance module 116,
and/or a customer database 118.
[0018] Agent locations 120 may represent various kiosks and/or
other physical locations where payors and payees may conduct money
transfer transactions. For example, WESTERN UNION may have hundreds
of thousands of agent locations scattered worldwide. At agent
locations 120, a person, such as a clerk, may serve as a
representative of the entity providing the money transfer service.
Payors and payees may conduct money transfer transactions by
interacting directly with an agent of the money transfer entity at
an agent location. Transactions conducted at an agent location may
be conducted using a variety of different payment methods. For
example, cash, checks, credit cards, debit cards, and stored value
cards are all possible methods through which a payment may be
received from a payor or provided to a payee. Also, at an agent
location, payors and payees may interact directly with a kiosk that
is part of the money transfer system 100. Alternatively, the agent
of the money transfer service provider may interact with the kiosk
on behalf of the payor or payee.
[0019] Money transfer system 100 may include one or more websites.
Such websites may allow payors and payees to conduct money transfer
transactions via the Internet. A payor may provide payment and
transaction information to money transfer system 100 via website
140. For example, a payor may provide bank account information or
credit card information to money transfer system 100 via website
140. Likewise, payees may receive payment sent via money transfer
system 100 via website 140. For example, it may be possible for a
payee to provide a bank account number for funds to be deposited
via website 140. Website 140 may also permit a payor or payee to
determine the status of a money transfer transaction. If a payor is
conducting the money transfer using a bank account, credit card,
stored value card, or using some other payment method besides cash,
he may be able to conduct the entire payor-side transaction using
the website 140. Likewise, if the payee is receiving the funds via
a method other than cash, he may be able to complete his payee-side
transaction using website 140. Alternatively, if either the payor
and payee is conducting the transaction in cash, some of the
information necessary to conduct the money transfer transaction may
be supplied via website 140, with the cash being transacted at an
agent location of agent locations 120.
[0020] Money transfer system 100 may also include a telephone
operator and/or interactive voice response (IVR) system 150.
Telephone operator and/or IVR system 150 may allow a payor and/or
payee to conduct the money transfer transaction via a telephone
call to the telephone operator and/or IVR system 150. Payors and
payees may provide the information necessary to conduct the money
transfer transaction via the telephone, either to a human operator,
or to an interactive voice response system. If a payor is
conducting the money transfer using a bank account, credit card,
stored value card, or using some other payment method besides cash,
he may be able to completely conduct the transaction using the
telephone operator and/or IVR system 150. Likewise, if the payee is
receiving the funds via a method other than cash, he may be able to
complete the transaction using the telephone operator and/or IVR
system 150. Alternatively, if either the payor and payee is
conducting the transaction in cash, some of the information
necessary to conduct the money transfer transaction may be supplied
via the telephone operator and/or IVR system 150, with the cash
being transacted at an agent location of agent locations 120.
[0021] Also, it may be possible to interact with money transfer
system 100 via mobile devices 160. Mobile Device 160 may represent
various wireless devices that can communicate with money transfer
system 100. For example, Mobile Device 160 may include cellular
telephones, smart phones, laptops, tablet computers, etc. Mobile
devices 160 may load a website to interact with money transfer
system 100. Alternatively, mobile devices 160 may run one or more
pieces of software, such as applications or firmware configured to
allow interaction with money transfer system 100. Via mobile
devices 160, it may be possible for a payor to transmit funds to a
payee. Also, it may be possible for a payee to receive funds via
mobile devices 160. If a payor is conducting the money transfer
using a bank account, credit card, stored value card, or using some
other payment method besides cash, he may be able to complete the
transaction using a mobile device of mobile devices 160. Likewise,
if the payee is receiving the funds via a method other than cash,
he may be able to complete the transaction using a mobile device of
mobile devices 160. Alternatively, if either the payor or payee is
conducting the transaction in cash, some of the information
necessary to conduct the money transfer transaction may be supplied
via a mobile device of mobile devices 160, with the cash being
transacted at an agent location of agent locations 120.
[0022] Agent locations 120, website 140, telephone operator and/or
IVR system 150, and mobile devices 160 may communicate with money
transfer server system 110 via a network 130. Network 130 has been
represented as a single network in FIG. 1. This is for simplicity
only; network 130 may include several networks. Further, the
network used for agent locations 120 to communicate with money
transfer server system 110 may be different from the network used
by mobile devices 160 to communicate with money transfer server
system 110. The network 130 may include one or more public
networks, such as the Internet, and one or more private networks,
such as a corporate intranet. Further, multiple networks may be
used to communicate with money transfer server system 110. For
example, mobile devices 160 may use a wireless cellular provider's
network and the Internet to communicate with money transfer server
system 110.
[0023] Whether a payor provides funds to the money transfer system
100 via agent locations 120, website 140, telephone operator and/or
IVR system 150, or mobile devices 160, this may not affect how a
payee may receive the funds. For example, while a payor may provide
funds via website 140, a payee may retrieve the funds via one of
agent locations 120. It may also be possible for a payor to use the
same entity, such as agent locations 120, to conduct a money
transfer transaction.
[0024] Money transfer server system 110 may include one or more
various subsystems used to conduct a money transfer transaction.
For example, a customer database 118 may be present. Customer
database 118 may store biographical information about the money
transfer service provider's customers (payors and payees).
[0025] Transaction database 114 may store information on pending
and completed money transfer transactions. Transaction database 114
may identify amounts of funds provided by payors, amounts of funds
due to payees, payors' names, the payees' names, transaction
identifiers such as money transfer control numbers (MTCNs), the
locations where the transactions were initiated (e.g., the website,
an address of the agent location), the location of where the
transaction is expected to be completed (e.g., where the payee is
expected to receive the funds), the payor's payment method (e.g.,
cash, credit card, money order, stored value card, check, etc.),
and whether or not various money transfer transactions have been
completed or are pending.
[0026] Compliance module 116 may be used to ensure compliance with
government regulations. For example, the money transfer service
provider operating the money transfer system 100 may be required to
comply with various government regulations (possibly varying by
country) intended to prevent fraudulent and/or illegal use of money
transfer systems. An example of a compliance measure that the money
transfer service provider may use is a list of persons that the
money transfer service provider is prohibited from doing business
with published by the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC). The
money transfer service provider may be required by law to not do
business with persons (e.g., payors or payees) published on such a
list. Other compliance measures may include gathering additional
information about payors and payees conducting a money transfer
that exceeds a particular amount and/or is international. Money
transfer transactions being conducted with cash may also include
additional compliance measures. Therefore, depending on the
location of the payor and payee, the amount of the money transfer,
and the payment method, each money transfer may be subject to
varying levels of examination and regulation by compliance module
116.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an
embodiment of a money transfer system 200 that interacts with
multiple third party financial networks. Money transfer system 200
of FIG. 2 may represent the same money transfer system of FIG. 1 or
may represent some other money transfer system.
[0028] In addition to the various components of money transfer
server system 110 described in relation to FIG. 1, money transfer
server system 110 may also include routing system 210. Routing
system 210 may identify, analyze, select, and/or execute money
transfer routing schemes. Routing system 210, or some other
component of money transfer server system 110, may communicate with
one or more third party financial networks and one or more
financial institutions. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, routing system
210 communicates with third party financial network 220-1 and third
party financial network 220-2. Through third party financial
network 220-1, routing system 210 may route a money transfer to
financial institution 230-1. Through third party financial network
220-2, routing system 210 may route a money transfer to financial
institution 230-1, financial institution 230-2, or financial
institution 230-3. Routing system 210 also communicates directly
with a financial institution, such as financial institution
230-3.
[0029] To be clear, a third party financial network refers to a
financial network not operated by the entity that operates money
transfer server system 110. The third party financial network may
be operated by some other financial institution or by some other
third party entity. Third party financial networks may allow
financial institutions that do not have a pre-existing relationship
to conduct money transfers or other financial transactions between
them. Examples of third party financial networks may include the
automated clearing house network (ACH), electronic payments network
(EPN), or interbank networks, such as PLUS, NYCE, and MAC in North
America, Banklink, StarNet, and Euronet in Europe, and Midas in the
Caribbean. As those with skill in the art will recognize, various
other third party financial networks exist for sending funds within
a country and internationally.
[0030] A financial institution may refer to a bank, a money
transfer service provider (such as WESTERN UNION), and/or any other
form of financial institution that provides financial services that
include money transfers. Such financial institutions may provide
money transfer services within a country and/or
internationally.
[0031] Routing system 210 may refer to a system that identifies,
evaluates, and/or routes money transfer transactions to other
financial institutions either directly or via a third party
financial network. Money transfer transactions that have various
money transfer routing schemes identified, evaluated, and/or routed
by routing system 210 may be initiated using any of the interfaces
of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, such as agent locations 120, website(s) 140,
telephone operator/IVR system 150, or mobile devices 160.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates how routing system 210 of money transfer
server system 110 may communicate, both directly and indirectly,
with financial institutions 230. Referring first to financial
institution 230-1, routing system 210 may use third party financial
network 220-1 to communicate with it. This may be because the
entity operating money transfer server system 110, referred to as
the money transfer service provider, does not have a relationship
directly with financial institution 230-1. A money transfer routed
to financial institution 230-1 using a third party financial
network may be referred to as conducting a money transfer using an
external money transfer routing scheme. Routing system 210 may also
communicate with financial institution 230-1 through third party
financial network 220-2. Therefore, routing system 210 may identify
two money transfer routing schemes: one using third party financial
network 220-1 and one using third party financial network 220-2.
Because both of these money transfer routing schemes use a third
party financial network, both would be referred to as external
money transfer routing schemes. This situation may arise when both
the money transfer service provider and financial institution 230-1
utilize two of the same third party financial networks.
[0033] Referring next to financial institution 230-2, routing
system 210 may use third party financial network 220-2 to
communicate with it. As third party financial network 220-2 is the
only third party financial network present that communicates with
financial institution 230-2 and no direct connection between
routing system 210 and financial institution 230-2 exists, routing
system 210 may not have any options to choose between for routing
funds to financial institution 230-2. When a third-party financial
network is used to conduct a money transfer transaction between
routing system 210 and a financial institution, it may be referred
to as an external money transfer transaction. In system 200,
financial institution 230-1 and financial institution 230-2 are in
different geographical regions. Financial institution 230-1 is
located in the first country 240-1. Third party financial network
220-1 may also operate in or operate exclusively in first country
240-1. Financial institution 230-2 may be located in second country
240-2. Third party financial network 220-2 may also operate in or
operate exclusively in second country 240-2. Of course, third party
financial networks 220 may operate in several different countries.
Further, while third party financial network 220-2 may operate from
country 240-2 it may also communicate with financial institution
230-1 located in first country 240-1.
[0034] Routing system 210 may communicate directly with financial
institution 230-3. Such direct communication may indicate that the
money transfer service provider operating money transfer server
system 110, including routing system 210, has an arrangement with
financial institution 230-3 to allow the two institutions to
communicate directly without the need for third-party financial
network to conduct financial transactions such as money transfer
transactions. When a money transfer transaction is conducted using
direct communication between routing system 210 and a financial
institution (without the use of a third party financial network),
it may be referred to as an internal money transfer routing scheme.
Besides the direct communication between routing system 210 and
financial institution 230-3, routing system 210 may also
communicate with financial institution 230-3 via third-party
financial network 220-2. Therefore, in conducting a money transfer
from routing system 210 to financial institution 230-3, routing
system 210 may select between an internal money transfer routing
scheme and an external money transfer routing scheme.
[0035] To be clear, direct communication does not imply that a
network is not used; rather it means that no third-party financial
network is used in communication. While a network is only shown for
communication between interfaces 120, 140, 150, 160 and money
transfer server system 110, it should be understood that one or
more networks may be used to communicate between routing system 210
and third-party financial networks 220. Similarly, one or more
networks may be used to communicate between third-party financial
networks 220 and financial institutions 230.
[0036] While system 200 illustrates three financial institutions
and two third-party financial networks, it should be understood
that routing system 210 may communicate with many more different
third-party financial networks and many more different financial
institutions. It should further be understood that each third-party
financial network may communicate with many different financial
institutions. Further, there may be either none, some, or
significant overlap between the financial institutions communicated
with by the various third-party financial networks. For example,
routing system 210 may have a choice of two, five, or even ten
different third-party financial networks to communicate with a
specific financial institution.
[0037] Whether a third-party financial network communicates with
the particular financial institution may be governed by whether
that finance institution and the third-party financial network have
an existing service agreement. Similarly, whether a financial
institution communicates directly with routing system 210 without
the use of a third-party financial network may be governed by
whether that financial institution and the money transfer service
provider operating routing system 210 have a service agreement.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a system 300 that
includes a routing system of a money transfer system to utilize
various money transfer routing schemes. Routing system 210 may
represent routing system 210 of FIG. 2. Alternatively, routing
system 210 may represent some other routing system.
[0039] Routing system 210 may include multiple components. For
example, routing system 210 may include a database of relationships
310 and a predefined evaluation criteria module 320. Database of
relationships 310 may store a listing of financial institutions and
third-party financial networks which the money transfer service
provider that operates routing system 210 has relationships with.
Database of relationships 310 may store indications of each way
with which routing system 210 may communicate with a particular
financial institution. For example, a particular financial
institution may contain one or more entries within database of
relationships 310. One of these entries may indicate that routing
system 210 may communicate directly with that particular financial
institution. Another entry may indicate that a certain third-party
financial network may be used to send a money transfer to that
financial institution. Further indication of what financial
institutions may be communicated with via that third-party
financial network may be stored in database of relationships 310.
Database of relationships 310 may also include information
regarding the fees, guarantees provided, and/or an amount of time
necessary to conduct a transaction with the associated financial
institution and/or third party financial network appearing in
database of relationships 310. Table 1 illustrates a simplified
embodiment of a handful of entries that may appear in database of
relationships 310. As those of skill in the art will recognize, the
information presented in Table 1 may be stored in various different
ways and Table 1 is not restrictive as to what particular data may
be represented and stored in database of relationships 310.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Financial Internal/External/ Guar-
Institution 3rd Party Network Time Cost antee Bank of External - 2
days 1.5% Yes Bangladesh TransAsia Network Internal 1 day.sup. 0.4%
+ $10 USD No Bank of External - 3 days 1.1% + $5 USD No Namibia
AfricaNET External - SARouter 2 days .sup. 3% Partial
[0040] Table 1, which may represent a portion of database of
relationships 310, indicates two financial institutions, for each
of which routing system 210 has two routing schemes available for
money transfers involving the financial institutions. In Table 1,
routing system 210 has two possible money transfer routing schemes
for financial transactions involving the Bank of Bangladesh. The
first money transfer routing scheme is an external money transfer
routing scheme using a third-party financial network called
"TransAsia." A money transfer conducted to the Bank of Bangladesh
using this third-party network takes two days and costs 1.5% of the
amount being transferred. Some or all of this cost may be due to
either the third-party network and/or the financial institution
that the money is being transferred to. In this instance, the
third-party network guarantees the success of the transaction. The
second money transfer routing scheme that may be used for financial
transaction with the Bank of Bangladesh is an internal money
transfer routing scheme. Therefore, an agreement or relationship
between the money transfer service provider operating routing
system 210 and Bank of Bangladesh may exist. This example of a
money transfer transaction takes one day to complete and costs 0.4%
plus a fixed fee of $10 in United States dollars. There may be no
guarantee on the money transfer transaction because there is no
third-party financial network involved to provide such a guarantee.
In the second portion of Table 1, financial transactions involving
the Bank of Namibia may involve a selection between two different
external money transfer routing schemes. As shown in Table 1, the
amount of time, cost, and/or guarantee may vary based on which
third-party financial network is selected. It should also be
understood that more than one third-party financial network may be
used for money transfer transactions. For example, a first
third-party financial network may communicate with a second
third-party financial network which may then, in turn, communicate
with the destination financial institution. As should be
understood, the information presented in Table 1 is merely for
exemplary purposes and is not meant to represent real world
relationships, costs, and/or guarantees. Further, while two money
transfer routing schemes are shown for each of the financial
institutions of Table 1, fewer or more money transfer routing
schemes, both external and/or internal, may be present.
[0041] Database of relationships 310 may be updated periodically to
keep all relationships, and the information associated with those
relationships, up to date. This may be performed by an agent of the
money transfer service provider operating routing system 210. In
some embodiments, routing system 210 may have access to one or more
databases that contain information that may be used to update
database of relationships 310.
[0042] In addition to routing system 210 having a database of
relationships 310, routing system 210 may have a predefined
evaluation criteria module 320. Predefined evaluation criteria
module 320 may contain one or more criteria that are used by
routing system to determine which available money transfer routing
scheme, be it internal or external, should be used to complete a
money transfer transaction. These criteria may evaluate cost, time,
and/or other criteria such as an available guarantee. As an
example, the criteria may specify that the least expensive routing
scheme should be used as long as the transaction will complete in
two or fewer days. As another example, the criteria may specify
that the least expensive routing scheme should be used. Which
routing scheme is the least expensive may vary depending on the
amount of money sent via the money transfer transaction due to
fixed fees and/or percentages of the transaction amount being
charged. In some situations, a criterion may specify that the
fastest routing scheme should be used. While these exemplary
criteria are simple, it should be understood that the criteria used
to evaluate which money transfer routing scheme should be used in a
particular situation may be more complicated.
[0043] In FIG. 3, routing system 210 has only one option for
communicating with financial institution 340-1. This money transfer
routing scheme is internal, as it does not use any third-party
financial network. As such, predefined evaluation criteria may not
be applied to this relationship because alternatives are not
available. Whatever amount of funds is being transferred from
routing system 210 via a money transfer transaction to an account
at financial institution 340-1, the money transfer transaction may
include an indication of an account in which to deposit the funds.
After transmitting the funds to financial institution 340-1,
financial institution 340-1 may deposit the funds associated with
the money transfer transaction, possibly minus some fee, to
destination account 330-1. The account number of destination
account 330-1 may have been specified by the person conducting the
money transfer transaction via the money transfer service provider
operating routing system 210.
[0044] If a money transfer is intended for destination account
330-2 of financial institution 340-2, multiple money transfer
routing schemes may be present. The first money transfer routing
scheme may be internal, represented by link 370. The second money
transfer routing scheme may be external, using third-party
financial network 350, and links 380 and 390. In this instance,
predefined evaluation criteria module 320 may be used to determine
which money transfer routing scheme should be used to transfer the
funds to destination account 330-2. While it may be possible that
the internal or the external money transfer routing scheme is
always preferable, which is preferable may vary based on the amount
of funds, and/or the amount of time necessary for the money
transfer transaction to occur. Further, in some embodiments, either
the person sending the funds or the person receiving the funds, who
may be the account owner of the destination account, may be able to
specify various parameters. For example, the person receiving the
funds may specify that they wish the money transfer transaction to
complete in one day (or less). For this, the person receiving the
funds may be willing to pay an additional and/or a higher fee.
Alternatively, if the person receiving the funds is not in a hurry
for the money transfer transaction to complete, he may be able to
save money by allowing the money transfer transaction to be routed
differently, which may take a longer period of time but may have
lower fees associated with that particular money transfer routing
scheme.
[0045] Various methods may be performed using the systems described
in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for identifying,
selecting, and executing a preferable money transfer scheme. The
method 400 may be performed using the systems described in FIGS.
1-3. Alternatively, method 400 may be performed using some other
form of a money transfer system.
[0046] At block 410, an indication of a source of the money
transfer may be received by a money transfer system. The indication
of the source of the money transfer may be received via any of the
interfaces discussed in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, such as agent
locations 120, websites 140, telephone operator/IVR system 150, or
mobile devices 160. The indication of the source of the money
transfer may be provided by a person or an entity that desires to
transfer money to some other person or entity, either within the
same country or internationally. In addition to providing an
indication of the source of the money transfer, the person or
entity initiating the money transfer transaction may provide, an
amount of funds to be transferred, biographical information about
themselves, and/or information about the destination account of the
funds or the person receiving the funds. In some embodiments, no or
almost no information about the person receiving the funds may be
provided. In such instances, the person or entity sending the funds
may be provided with an identifier, such as a money transfer
control number, which he may then provide to the person or entity
that is to receive the funds. As such, when the money transfer
transaction is initiated by the person or entity sending the funds,
the money transfer service provider may have little or no
information regarding the person or entity receiving funds.
[0047] At block 420, the money transfer system may receive an
indication of a destination of the money transfer. The destination
may be a bank account held by a financial institution, such as a
bank. The destination may also be an agent location of a money
transfer service provider. The information regarding the
destination of the money transfer may be provided by the person or
entity sending the funds or the person or entity receiving the
funds. This information may include the name of the bank or other
financial entity and/or the account number where the funds are to
be deposited. If the information is provided by the person or
entity receiving the funds, they may be required to provide an
identifier of the money transfer transaction, such as a money
transfer control number (MTCN). Additionally, the person or entity
receiving the funds may be required to provide biographical
information and/or additional information regarding the destination
of the funds. In some instances, the indication of the destination
of the money transfer may not be provided directly to the money
transfer service provider. Rather, the person or entity receiving
the funds may provide an indication of the money transfer, such as
a money transfer control number, to a bank or other financial
entity that holds the account where the person or entity receiving
the funds wants the money transfer deposited. This bank or other
financial entity may then, in turn, provide the money transfer
control number or other identifier to the money transfer service
provider.
[0048] At block 430, now that the money transfer service provider
has an indication of the source and the destination of the money
transfer, multiple money transfer routing schemes may be
identified. These multiple money transfer routing schemes may
include external money transfer routing schemes, internal money
transfer routing schemes, or both. The multiple money transfer
routing schemes may be identified by a routing system, such as
routing system 210 of FIGS. 2 and 3. Such a routing system may
employ the use of a database of relationships to identify the
possible money transfer routing schemes to route money from the
source of the money transfer to the destination of the money
transfer. If only one money transfer routing scheme exists, further
analysis of the money transfer routing scheme may not be necessary.
In such an instance, the one money transfer routing scheme may be
treated as the preferable money transfer routing scheme. However,
if two or more money transfer routing schemes (whether internal
and/or external) are present, further analysis may be necessary to
determine which of these money transfer routing schemes is the
preferable money transfer routing scheme.
[0049] At block 440, the multiple money transfer routing schemes
may be analyzed. This analysis may be conducted by the routing
system of the money transfer service provider. This may involve the
multiple money transfer routing schemes being analyzed according to
one or more predefined criteria. In such an embodiment, the person
or entity sending the funds and/or the person or entity receiving
the funds may not have the ability to select the money transfer
routing scheme. Rather, the routing system of the money transfer
service provider may select what it determines, according to the
one or more predefined evaluation criteria, as the preferable money
transfer routing scheme. At block 450, the preferable money
transfer routing scheme according to the one or more predefined
evaluation criteria may be identified. The preferable money
transfer routing scheme may be identified by the routing system of
the money transfer service provider.
[0050] At block 460, the money transfer may then be executed such
that the funds are transferred from the source of the money
transfer to the destination of the money transfer using the
preferable money transfer routing scheme. Therefore, depending on
which money transfer routing scheme has been identified as the
preferable money transfer routing scheme according to the
predefined evaluation criteria, the money transfer transaction may
be either internal or external. A fee may be assessed to the funds
of the money transfer transaction to cover the cost of the
preferable money transfer routing scheme. In some embodiments, the
fee is charged to either the person or entity sending the funds or
the person or entity receiving the funds separate from the amount
of funds being transferred via the money transfer transaction.
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for identifying, selecting,
and executing a preferable money transfer scheme. The method 500
may be performed using the systems described in FIGS. 1-3.
Alternatively, method 500 may be performed using some other form of
a money transfer system.
[0052] At block 510, indication of the source of the money transfer
may be received by the money transfer service provider. Block 510
may be performed similarly to block 410 of the method 400 of FIG.
4. At block 520, an indication of the destination of the money
transfer may be received by the money transfer service provider.
Again here, block 520 may be performed similarly to block 420 of
the method 400.
[0053] At block 530, one or more internal money transfer routing
schemes that may be used to route money from the source of the
money transfer to the destination the money transfer may be
identified. In many instances, if an internal money transfer
routing scheme exists, it is the only available internal money
transfer routing scheme. The identification of the one or more
money transfer routing schemes may be performed by a routing
system, such as routing system 210 of FIGS. 2 and 3. Such a routing
system may use a database of relationships such as database of
relationships 310 of FIG. 3. If no internal money transfer routing
schemes are present, the method may proceed to block 540.
[0054] At block 540, one or more external money transfer routing
schemes that may be used to route money from the source of the
money transfer to the destination of the money transfer may be
identified. As with the internal money transfer routing schemes,
the identification of the one or more external transfer routing
schemes may be performed by a routing system, such as routing
system 210 of FIGS. 2 and 3. Again here, such a routing system may
use a database of relationships such as database of relationships
310 of FIG. 3. As is the case in method 400, block 530 and block
540 may be performed as one step or as separate steps. While an
external money transfer routing scheme may involve the use of one
third-party financial network, it should be understood that two or
more financial networks may also be used in an external money
transfer routing scheme. In such an arrangement, as an example, a
first third-party financial network may route the money transfer
transaction to another third-party financial network. If no
external money transfer routing schemes are present, method 500 may
proceed to block 550.
[0055] At block 545, it may be determined whether more than one
money transfer routing scheme is available. This may include the
internal money transfer routing schemes and the external money
routing schemes identified at block 530 and 540, respectively. If
more than one money transfer routing scheme is available, the
method may proceed to block 550. Otherwise, the method may proceed
to block 570.
[0056] At block 550, rather than the routing system of the money
transfer service provider determining which is the preferable money
transfer routing scheme, a customer may be presented with the
various internal money transfer routing schemes and external money
transfer routing schemes identified at block 530 and 540,
respectively. The customer may be either the person or entity
sending the money transfer transaction or the person or entity
receiving the money transfer transaction. The available money
transfer routing schemes may be presented to the customer by the
money transfer service provider via any of the interfaces discussed
in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, such as agent locations 120, website
140, telephone operator/IVR system 150, or mobile devices 160.
Alternatively, if the customer is the person or entity receiving
the funds, the available money transfer routing schemes may be
presented to the customer via the financial entity through which
the customers receive the funds.
[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a selection window 600
that may be presented to the customer to allow him to select the
money transfer routing scheme that the customer wishes to conduct
the money transfer through. Such a selection window may be
presented to the customer via a kiosk at an agent location, via
website of the money transfer service provider, or on a mobile
device of the customer, such as a smart phone. If the customer is
interacting via the telephone operator/IVR system, the options may
be spoken to the customer. Alternatively, if the customer is the
person or entity receiving the funds, he may be presented with such
a selection window by the financial entity through which he is
receiving the funds. Such a selection window may present the
customer with some or all of the money transfer routing schemes
identified at blocks 530 and 540. Each of the money transfer
routing schemes may indicate whether they are internal or external.
If the money transfer routing scheme is external, it may indicate
the third-party financial network that the money transfer routing
scheme utilizes. The selection window may also indicate the amount
of time each money transfer routing scheme takes to execute. The
cost of each money transfer routing scheme may also be indicated.
If the cost of a particular money transfer routing scheme is a
percentage of the money transfer transaction, the percentage may be
displayed to the customer or the percentage may be used to
calculate the actual cost to the customer. Further, the customer
may be given the option of subtracting the cost from the money
transfer amount or paying the costs in addition to the money
transfer amount. The selection window may also indicate whether
each money transfer routing scheme is guaranteed by any of the
parties involved in the transaction. Finally, to encourage the
customer to select a particular money transfer routing scheme, the
transaction window may include one or more recommendations to the
customer. The recommendation may be the money transfer routing
scheme the routing system would have selected. Once the customer
has selected one of the money transfer routing schemes, the
customer may click a button to confirm that he wishes to complete
the transaction via the selected money transfer routing scheme.
[0058] Returning to FIG. 5, the selection of the money transfer
routing scheme from the customer may be received at block 560. As
discussed in relation to FIG. 6, this may involve a customer
clicking a button to confirm that he wishes to complete the
transaction via a selected money transfer routing scheme. While
FIG. 6 illustrates one possible way of a customer selecting a money
transfer routing scheme, those with skill in the art will recognize
that others may be possible. For example, the customer may be
presented with options telephonically. In some embodiments, an
agent of the money transfer service provider, or the financial
entity through which the customer may be receiving the funds could
verbally or visually present the customer with the options.
[0059] At block 570, the money transfer transaction may be executed
to transfer the funds from the source of the money transfer to the
destination of the money transfer using the selected money transfer
routing scheme.
[0060] To perform the actions of the money transfer system, the
various components of the money transfer system, the routing
system, or any other previously mentioned computing devices, a
computer system as illustrated in FIG. 7 may be used. FIG. 7
provides a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a computer
system 700 that can perform the methods provided by various other
embodiments, as described herein, and/or can function as the host
computer system, a remote kiosk/terminal, a point-of-sale device, a
mobile device, and/or a computer system. It should be noted that
FIG. 7 is meant only to provide a generalized illustration of
various components, any or all of which may be utilized as
appropriate. FIG. 7, therefore, broadly illustrates how individual
system elements may be implemented in a relatively separated or
relatively more integrated manner.
[0061] The computer system 700 is shown comprising hardware
elements that can be electrically coupled via a bus 705 (or may
otherwise be in communication, as appropriate). The hardware
elements may include one or more processors 710, including without
limitation one or more general-purpose processors and/or one or
more special-purpose processors (such as digital signal processing
chips, graphics acceleration processors, and/or the like); one or
more input devices 715, which can include without limitation a
mouse, a keyboard and/or the like; and one or more output devices
720, which can include without limitation a display device, a
printer and/or the like.
[0062] The computer system 700 may further include (and/or be in
communication with) one or more storage devices 725, which can
comprise, without limitation, local and/or network accessible
storage, and/or can include, without limitation, a disk drive, a
drive array, an optical storage device, solid-state storage device
such as a random access memory ("RAM") and/or a read-only memory
("ROM"), which can be programmable, flash-updateable and/or the
like. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any
appropriate data stores, including without limitation, various file
systems, database structures, and/or the like.
[0063] The computer system 700 might also include a communications
subsystem 730, which can include without limitation a modem, a
network card (wireless or wired), an infrared communication device,
a wireless communication device and/or chipset (such as a
Bluetooth.TM. device, an 802.11 device, a WiFi device, a WiMax
device, cellular communication facilities, etc.), and/or the like.
The communications subsystem 730 may permit data to be exchanged
with a network (such as the network described below, to name one
example), other computer systems, and/or any other devices
described herein. In many embodiments, the computer system 700 will
further comprise a working memory 735, which can include a RAM or
ROM device, as described above.
[0064] The computer system 700 also can comprise software elements,
shown as being currently located within the working memory 735,
including an operating system 740, device drivers, executable
libraries, and/or other code, such as one or more application
programs 745, which may comprise computer programs provided by
various embodiments, and/or may be designed to implement methods,
and/or configure systems, provided by other embodiments, as
described herein. Merely by way of example, one or more procedures
described with respect to the method(s) discussed above might be
implemented as code and/or instructions executable by a computer
(and/or a processor within a computer); in an aspect, then, such
code and/or instructions can be used to configure and/or adapt a
general purpose computer (or other device) to perform one or more
operations in accordance with the described methods.
[0065] A set of these instructions and/or code might be stored on a
computer-readable storage medium, such as the storage device(s) 725
described above. In some cases, the storage medium might be
incorporated within a computer system, such as the system 700. In
other embodiments, the storage medium might be separate from a
computer system (e.g., a removable medium, such as a compact disc),
and/or provided in an installation package, such that the storage
medium can be used to program, configure and/or adapt a general
purpose computer with the instructions/code stored thereon. These
instructions might take the form of executable code, which is
executable by the computer system 700 and/or might take the form of
source and/or installable code, which, upon compilation and/or
installation on the computer system 700 (e.g., using any of a
variety of generally available compilers, installation programs,
compression/decompression utilities, etc.) then takes the form of
executable code.
[0066] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
substantial variations may be made in accordance with specific
requirements. For example, customized hardware might also be used,
and/or particular elements might be implemented in hardware,
software (including portable software, such as applets, etc.), or
both. Further, connection to other computing devices such as
network input/output devices may be employed.
[0067] As mentioned above, in one aspect, some embodiments may
employ a computer system (such as the computer system 700) to
perform methods in accordance with various embodiments of the
invention. According to a set of embodiments, some or all of the
procedures of such methods are performed by the computer system 700
in response to processor 710 executing one or more sequences of one
or more instructions (which might be incorporated into the
operating system 740 and/or other code, such as an application
program 745) contained in the working memory 735. Such instructions
may be read into the working memory 735 from another
computer-readable medium, such as one or more of the storage
device(s) 725. Merely by way of example, execution of the sequences
of instructions contained in the working memory 735 might cause the
processor(s) 710 to perform one or more procedures of the methods
described herein.
[0068] The terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable
medium," as used herein, refer to any medium that participates in
providing data that causes a machine to operate in a specific
fashion. In an embodiment implemented using the computer system
700, various computer-readable media might be involved in providing
instructions/code to processor(s) 710 for execution and/or might be
used to store and/or carry such instructions/code (e.g., as
signals). In many implementations, a computer-readable medium is a
physical and/or tangible storage medium. Such a medium may take
many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media,
volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include,
for example, optical and/or magnetic disks, such as the storage
device(s) 725. Volatile media include, without limitation, dynamic
memory, such as the working memory 735. Transmission media include,
without limitation, coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics,
including the wires that comprise the bus 705, as well as the
various components of the communication subsystem 730 (and/or the
media by which the communications subsystem 730 provides
communication with other devices). Hence, transmission media can
also take the form of waves (including without limitation radio,
acoustic and/or light waves, such as those generated during
radio-wave and infrared data communications).
[0069] Common forms of physical and/or tangible computer-readable
media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard
disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any
other optical medium, punchcards, papertape, any other physical
medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM,
any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described
hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read
instructions and/or code.
[0070] Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in
carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the
processor(s) 710 for execution. Merely by way of example, the
instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk and/or
optical disc of a remote computer. A remote computer might load the
instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions as
signals over a transmission medium to be received and/or executed
by the computer system 700. These signals, which might be in the
form of electromagnetic signals, acoustic signals, optical signals
and/or the like, are all examples of carrier waves on which
instructions can be encoded, in accordance with various embodiments
of the invention.
[0071] The communications subsystem 730 (and/or components thereof)
generally will receive the signals, and the bus 705 then might
carry the signals (and/or the data, instructions, etc. carried by
the signals) to the working memory 735, from which the processor(s)
705 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions
received by the working memory 735 may optionally be stored on a
storage device 725 either before or after execution by the
processor(s) 710.
[0072] It should be noted that the methods, systems, and devices
discussed above are intended merely to be examples. It must be
stressed that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add
various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, it
should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the methods
may be performed in an order different from that described, and
that various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also,
features described with respect to certain embodiments may be
combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and
elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner.
Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus,
many of the elements are examples and should not be interpreted to
limit the scope of the invention.
[0073] Specific details are given in the description to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments
may be practiced without these specific details. For example,
well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and
techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to
avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description provides example
embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the
preceding description of the embodiments will provide those skilled
in the art with an enabling description for implementing
embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made in the
function and arrangement of elements without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0074] Further, while the preceding description details money
transfer transactions, it should be understood that similar systems
and methods may be used to perform other forms of financial
transactions. For example, similar arrangements may be used to
conduct bill payment, etc.
[0075] Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a
process which is depicted as a flow diagram or block diagram.
Although each may describe the operations as a sequential process,
many of the operations can be performed in parallel or
concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be
rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the
figure. Furthermore, embodiments of the methods may be implemented
by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware
description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented
in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code
or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a
computer-readable medium such as a storage medium. Processors may
perform the necessary tasks.
[0076] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized
by those of skill in the art that various modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without
departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above
elements may merely be a component of a larger system, wherein
other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the
application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be
undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are
considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken
as limiting the scope of the invention.
* * * * *