U.S. patent application number 17/701587 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-07 for systems and methods for facilitating transactions in open loop and closed loop networks.
The applicant listed for this patent is FLEXIA PAYMENTS LLC. Invention is credited to Andrew DeMaio, Craig Libson, Scott Walker.
Application Number | 20220215380 17/701587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220215380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Scott ; et
al. |
July 7, 2022 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING TRANSACTIONS IN OPEN LOOP AND
CLOSED LOOP NETWORKS
Abstract
Systems and methods for facilitating e-commerce transactions by
providing systems and methods for executing transactions in both an
open loop and closed loop networks.
Inventors: |
Walker; Scott; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Libson; Craig; (Hartsdale, NY) ; DeMaio;
Andrew; (Las Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FLEXIA PAYMENTS LLC |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/701587 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14883560 |
Oct 14, 2015 |
11282068 |
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17701587 |
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62063887 |
Oct 14, 2014 |
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International
Class: |
G06Q 20/34 20060101
G06Q020/34; G06Q 20/26 20060101 G06Q020/26; G06Q 50/34 20060101
G06Q050/34; G07F 17/32 20060101 G07F017/32 |
Claims
1. A system for enabling closed loop and open loop transactions,
including one or more data processing devices in communication with
memory and one or more data communication devices, the system
comprising: a) a card including a magnetic stripe and a chip
disposed thereon; b) an application module configured to: (i)
receive user data through the one or more data communication
devices: and (ii) generate an open loop account and a closed loop
account responsive to receiving user data, wherein the open loop
account is associated with one or more open loop members and the
chip disposed on the card, and the closed loop account is
associated with at least one closed loop member and the magnetic
stripe disposed on the card; c) a transaction processing module
configured to (i) receive transaction data through the one or more
data communication devices, the transaction data relating to a
transaction involving one of the open loop account or the closed
loop account; and (ii) enable execution of the transaction
responsive to transaction processing module determining based on
the transaction data that the transaction is at least one of: (1) a
closed loop transaction involving the transfer of funds from the
closed loop account to the credit on a game device associated with
the at least one closed loop member and initiated by use of the
magnetic stripe in a magnetic stripe reading device of the game
device; (2) an open loop transaction initiated by use of the chip
in a chip reading device associated with the one or more open loop
members; (3) an electronic funds transfer directly into one of the
closed loop account or the open loop account; or (4) an electronic
funds transfer directly between the open loop account and the
closed loop account without an intermediary receiving any
electronically transferred funds; and d) a reporting module
configured to communicate one or more of the transactions enabled
for execution by the transaction processing module involving the
closed loop account to the at least one closed loop member
associated with the closed loop account.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the application module
provides a graphical user interface accessible through a global
communication network.
3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the transaction
processing module provides a graphical user interface accessible
through a global communication network.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the reporting module
communicates transaction data relating to the electronic funds
transfer directly between the open loop account and the closed loop
account without an intermediary receiving any electronically
transferred funds.
5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the closed loop
transaction further comprises the transfer of credit on the game
device to funds in the closed loop account.
6. A system for enabling closed loop transactions and open loop
transactions with one or more open loop members and closed loop
members using a single card, including one or more data processing
devices in communication with memory and one or more data
communication devices, the system comprising: a) a card including a
magnetic stripe and a chip; b) an application module configured to
receive user data through the one or more data communication
devices, the receipt of user data facilitating the issuance of an
open loop member account and a closed loop member account, the
closed loop member account being enabled for the use of funds in
one or more closed loop transactions involving an electronic game
of chance associated with a closed loop member, and the open loop
member account being enabled for execution of one or more open loop
transactions involving one or more open loop members and disabled
for use with the electronic game of chance; b) a transaction
processing module executed by the one or more processing devices,
the transaction processing module being configured to receive
transaction instructions from the one or more communication devices
responsive to the use of the chip or magnetic stripe to initiate a
transaction, wherein the transaction processing module identifies
the transaction based on the transaction instructions and enables
execution of the transaction responsive to the transaction being
identified as at least one of: (1) a closed loop transaction
involving the transfer of funds from the closed loop member account
to add credit for play of the electronic game of chance associated
with the closed loop member and initiated by use of the magnetic
stripe in a magnetic stripe reading device of the electronic game
of chance; (2) an open loop transaction initiated by use of the
chip in a chip reading device associated with the one or more open
loop members; (3) an electronic transfer of funds directly into one
of the closed loop member account or the open loop member account;
or (4) an electronic transfer of funds directly between the open
loop member account and the closed loop member account without an
intermediary receiving any electronically transferred funds; and c)
a reporting module configured to transmit notification to a data
communication device associated with the closed loop member, the
notification including the transaction instructions received
relating to any electronic transfer of funds to the closed loop
member account.
7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein the application module
provides a graphical user interface accessible through a global
communication network.
8. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein the transaction
processing module provides a graphical user interface accessible
through a global communication network.
9. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein each closed loop
transaction is enabled by the transaction processing module only
for use with the electronic game of chance associated with the
closed loop member.
10. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein the transaction
processing module further enables execution of the transaction
responsive to the transaction being identified as an electronic
transfer of credit from the electronic game of chance to the closed
loop account, the credit being converted to funds by the
transaction processing module.
11. A system for enabling closed loop transactions limited to at
least one member of a closed loop network and open loop
transactions limited to one or more members of an open loop
network, the system including one or more data processing devices
in communication with memory, one or more databases and one or more
data communication devices, the system comprising: a) a card
including a magnetic stripe and a chip; b) a closed loop member
account stored in the one or more databases, the closed loop member
account being associated with the magnetic stripe and enabled for
executing one or more closed loop transactions involving the at
least one member of the closed loop network; c) an open loop member
account stored in the one or more databases, the open loop member
account being associated with the chip and enabled for executing
one or more open loop transactions involving one or more members of
the open loop network; d) a transaction processing module in
communication with a closed loop operator terminal and an open loop
operator terminal, wherein the transaction processing module
receives transaction data associated with a transaction involving
one of the closed loop member account or the open loop member
account, and enables execution of the transaction responsive to the
transaction data satisfying a preset criteria identifying the
transaction as one of: (i) an open loop transaction initiated by
use of the chip and involving the open loop member account and one
or more members of the open loop network; (ii) a closed loop
transaction initiated by use of the magnetic stripe and involving
the closed loop member account and the at least one member of the
closed loop network, wherein the closed loop operator terminal
includes one or more electronic games associated with the at least
one member of the closed loop network; (iii) an electronic funds
transfer of a monetary amount into one of the open loop member
account and the closed loop member account; and (iv) an electronic
funds transfer of a monetary amount or amount of credit directly
between the open loop member account and closed loop member
account; and d) a reporting module stored in the one or more
databases, the reporting module transmitting notification to the at
least one member of the closed loop network of the electronic funds
transfer to the closed loop member account.
12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the application
module provides a graphical user interface accessible through a
global communication network.
13. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the transaction
processing module provides a graphical user interface accessible
through a global communication network.
14. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the closed loop
transaction is enabled by the transaction processing module only
for the one or more electronic games associated with the member of
the closed loop network.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to, and is a continuation
of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/883,560 filed Oct. 14, 2015
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,282,068 on Mar. 22, 2022, which claims
priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/063,887 filed Oct. 14, 2014, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to systems and methods of providing,
facilitating, conducting and administering electronic transactions,
and in particular, transactions involving the electronic transfer
of funds between parties and accounts in a closed loop network and
transactions involving parties in an open loop network, some of
which involve using a debit card.
[0003] Electronic payments have largely become the preferred means
for conducting consumer transactions around the world. Instead of
using cash, consumers are using many different types of cards to
buy a wide range of items. These consumer card types include
credit, debit and prepaid cards.
[0004] These types of cards have several drawbacks. First, the
cards are typically only offered in connection with a relationship
with a bank, merchant or retail store. Second, these cards have
limits but are generally not reloadable, even if prepaid, thus
requiring customers to purchase only up to their limits, add money
to an account or buy additional prepaid cards when the value
associated with the original card is depleted. Finally, these cards
are not flexible enough in their capabilities to be used in every
environment or for every kind of transaction, particularly
transactions between parties which have been traditionally, and
remain up to now, made with cash, such as referral fees, tips and
commissions.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods which
can overcome these deficiencies and others found in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention is directed to systems and methods which
resolve the aforementioned issues in the art, among other
things.
[0007] Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a system
for facilitating e-commerce transactions, comprising: a) an
application module configured to receive user data and an
electronic signature on relevant tax forms, the receipt of user
data facilitating the issuance of at least one member financial
account to a user, wherein the member financial account is
accessible for the transfer of funds to a plurality of members
within a closed loop network of members and linked to a user debit
card, wherein the debit card is enabled for use in an open loop
network; b) a transaction processing module configured to receive
transaction instructions relating to the transfer of funds from a
member financial account to one or more different member financial
accounts of members of the plurality of members; and c) a reporting
module for providing notification of transactions to members,
wherein the transaction information is stored in memory.
[0008] In some embodiments of the aforementioned system, the
application module provides a graphical user interface accessible
through a global communication network.
[0009] In some embodiments of the aforementioned system, the
transaction processing module provides a graphical user interface
accessible through a global communication network.
[0010] In some embodiments, the aforementioned system further
comprises a data communication device configured to communicate
notification of transactions.
[0011] In some embodiments, the aforementioned system further
comprises a processing device configured to facilitate the transfer
of funds from the member financial account pursuant to the
instructions received.
[0012] Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a system
for facilitating e-commerce transactions, comprising: a) an
application module configured to receive user data, the receipt of
user data facilitating the issuance an open loop member financial
account and a closed loop member financial account to a user, the
closed loop member account being enabled by a closed loop operator
for the use of funds therein in one or more closed loop
transactions, each closed loop transaction being required to
satisfy preset criteria of characteristics associated with the
transaction, wherein both the open loop member financial account
and the closed loop member financial account are linked to a user
debit card, the open loop member financial account being enabled
for the use of funds therein in one or more open loop transactions,
the open loop transactions differing from the closed loop
transactions; b) a transaction processing module configured to
receive transaction instructions relating to the transfer of funds
from an open loop member financial account issued to a member to a
closed loop member financial account issued to the member, wherein
the transaction instructions are received through a user input
device with a currency acceptor; and c) a reporting module for
providing notification to the closed loop operator of the transfer
of funds to the closed loop member financial account.
[0013] In some embodiments of the aforementioned system, the
application module provides a graphical user interface accessible
through a global communication network.
[0014] In some embodiments of the aforementioned system, the
transaction processing module provides a graphical user interface
accessible through a global communication network.
[0015] In some embodiments, the aforementioned system further
comprises a data communication device configured to communicate
notification of transactions.
[0016] In some embodiments, the aforementioned system further
comprises a processing device configured to compare each closed
loop transaction with preset criteria of characteristics, wherein
transactions are executed responsive to the satisfaction of the
preset criteria.
[0017] In some embodiments of the aforementioned system, the preset
criteria of characteristics set forth transactions involving the
purchase of credit for use in a casino game, wherein the purchase
results in a corresponding decrease in the funds in the closed loop
member account.
[0018] In some embodiments of the aforementioned system, the preset
criteria of characteristics set forth transactions involving the
redemption of credit in a casino game, wherein the redemption
results in a corresponding increase in the funds in the closed loop
member account.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating some of the
components of an exemplary system constructed in accordance with
the invention; and
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating some of the
components of another exemplary system constructed in accordance
with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms
take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the
context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not
necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative
examples for the terms.
[0023] The term "open loop" as used herein may refer to a
multi-party system which operates by connecting an issuing
financial institution with an acquiring financial institution for
purposes of electronically transferring money from the issuing
financial institution to the acquiring financial institution,
unless the context dictates otherwise. Open loop networks may
include cards such as credit cards, debit cards, prepaid debit
cards and certain prepaid stored value cards, among other things,
and may be activated by an open loop processor with respect to a
particular purchaser or consumer.
[0024] The term "closed loop" as used herein may refer to a network
in which payment services are provided directly to network members,
such as merchants and cardholders, by the operators of the network
without involving third party financial institution intermediaries.
Closed loop networks may include prepaid stored value cards and
limited purpose cards which can only be used by network
members.
[0025] The meaning of "a," "an," and "the" may include plural
references, and the meaning of "in" may include "in" and "on." The
phrase "in one embodiment," as used herein does not necessarily
refer to the same embodiment, although it may.
[0026] Various embodiments are enabled by the invention, including
embodiments related to a system and method for providing a closed
loop card for use in transferring monies between network members
through an application interface which is also configured for use
as an open loop card. The closed loop card of such embodiments may
be loadable and reloadable by network members, assigned to or
otherwise indicative of a particular network member and activated
as a prepaid stored value card by an open loop processor and
issuing financial institution.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a high-level schematic is shown of a
system configured in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention which is generally referred to as system 10. System 10
comprises an application module 12, a transaction processing module
14 and a reporting module 16. In this embodiment or other
embodiments, system 10 may include additional, fewer, or different
modules for various applications. Conventional components such as
network interfaces, security mechanisms, load balancers, failover
servers, management and network operations consoles, and the like
are not shown so as to not obscure the details of the system, but
are contemplated as additional components of system 10.
[0028] System 10 is configured to provide, or causes to be
provided, various user interfaces between system 10 modules 12, 14
and 16 and one or more devices, which could comprise desktop
computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, e-readers,
mobile/smart phones, gaming devices, personal digital assistants,
televisions, and other network-enabled media devices configured for
communicating over a communication network such as the internet or
other similar area networks through a wireless or hardwire
connection, or a mixture thereof. These devices are not shown in
order to simplify and clarify the description, but it is
contemplated that thousands or more of such devices could be
communicating over a network with system 10. Further, there may be
multiple systems 10 in communication with each other and working
together to provide the functionality of system 100 as described
herein.
[0029] The user interfaces provided by system 10 can be any type of
user interface, such as a graphical user interface (GUI) or a
web-based user interface (WUI), which may include data entry fields
and drop-down menus as appropriate.
[0030] Application module 12 provides a user interface to enable a
user or network member to register, login and submit personal data
which is stored in a user database 18. In this embodiment, an
electronic signature for entering in an electronic or virtual W-9
form to be stored in database 18 is also obtained from any users
registering to become payees or cardholders. It should be
understood that database 18 may comprise one or more databases,
such as a cardholder database, a merchant database and a W-9
database.
[0031] Personal data submitted through application module 12 is
processes by a data processing device 20 and transmitted via data
communication device 22 for approval and issuance of a physical
card and network member account at a financial institution. The
network member account information may be stored in a database
maintained by the financial institution. The card may be a prepaid
debit card rather than a credit card which is capable of receiving
funds to a network member account either from network members or
other sources, such as processors that accept debit or credit cards
or through direct bank deposits or transfers, and is preferably
also associated with an issuing financial institution for use as an
open loop card. The card may include a magnetic stripe, integrated
circuit or chip that enables use of the card with associated card
reading technology in closed loop and open loop systems. The
approval process may be automated by a system not shown herein
which performs all necessary know your customer due diligence or
other reviews prior to issuing a card and account.
[0032] Transaction processing module 14 provides a user interface
which enables network members, such as merchants and cardholders,
to identify other network members, such as card holders for the
purpose of initiating a payment or transfer of funds to the
identified network member. For example, a nightclub may wish to
provide a payment to a taxi driver or promoter in return for
bringing a customer to the nightclub. Transaction processing module
14 may be connected with database 18 to permit searching for
cardholders based on various criteria, such as name or job type for
example. Processing device 20 facilitates the search and retrieval
of results responsive to the search query which are transmitted for
display on the user interface via data communication device 22.
Once the payee cardholder is identified, payment can be entered and
processed through transaction processing module 14 for transfer to
the identified network member's account. The funds transferred are
now available for use either by using the card associated with the
identified member's account or through a similar transfer by
accessing transaction processing module 14. Thus, further to the
aforementioned example, the taxi driver may transfer a portion of
the payment from the nightclub to another network member, such as
the doorman who directed the passenger who became a customer of the
nightclub to the taxi driven by the taxi driver.
[0033] Transactions entered through transaction processing module
14 are stored in a transaction database 24. In this embodiment,
transactions involving use of the card in the open loop system are
not stored in transaction database 24. It should be understood,
however, that system 10 can have access to the network member
account for purposes of confirming that sufficient funds are
available to complete the entered transaction prior to execution
thereof by transaction processing module 14.
[0034] Reporting module 16 provides notifications of transactions,
which may be made to any device pursuant to specifications made by
each network member, such as through e-mail, SMS or MIMS, or by
accessing a user interface provided by reporting module 16.
Reporting module 16 also provides each network member with details
of any transactions involving the network member which are stored
in transaction database 24 and W-9 form details or other reporting
information. In the aforementioned example, the nightclub would
have information regarding the payment to the taxi driver readily
available for inclusion in its tax returns. Likewise, the taxi
driver would be able to obtain tax reporting information for the
amount paid to the doorman.
[0035] Use of the card, including loading the card with funds or
making payments or transfers may result in fees to be charged to
the network members.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a system 110 constructed in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the invention in which
independent closed loop and open loop accounts are formed.
[0037] System 110 may include an application module 112 which is
accessible by users or casino personnel receiving information
directly from a potential cardholder. In this embodiment, once
approved a cardholder may be issued multiple accounts, including an
open loop account issued by an issuing financial institution and an
independent closed loop network account issued by the issuing
network member or its financial institution receiving the
application through application module 112. Cardholders may access
transaction processing module 114 for purposes of transferring
funds between the closed loop and open loop accounts. Transactions
relating to the closed loop network account may be controlled in
that each transaction must meet a certain criteria to be
executed.
[0038] System 110 may be particularly configured and adapted for
use in connection with regulated casino gaming with the casino
issuing the closed loop network account and this will be discussed
herein below as a non-limiting example.
[0039] The closed loop account established by a casino, or
alternatively, the casino's financial institution, may be
maintained for transactions limited in characteristics or type. For
example, in such a gaming account, transactions may be limited to
only transactions occurring within the casino or further limited to
gaming transactions occurring in the casino such as the purchase
and redemption of gaming machine credits or gaming chips for use at
live gaming tables at the casino. In other words, used for
participating in games, such as for example, slot machines,
electronic gaming machines, table games like blackjack and poker,
etc. Transactions may further be limited by monetary amount or
frequency, such as total amount lost or won per day, amount of
wagers placed, amount of transfers in or out of the gaming account,
etc. System 110 processing device 120 may be used to facilitate a
comparison of each transaction impacting the gaming account with
preset criteria for permitting such transactions to proceed to
execution, with any transaction failing to satisfy the preset
criteria being denied.
[0040] Cardholders may add funds directly to either the open loop
or closed loop gaming account. In some embodiments, adding funds to
the gaming account may be executed at the casino by submitting
money at kiosks, the casino cage or through a user input device
connected with or mounted on a gaming machine or gaming table.
Money in the gaming account may be managed, reconciled and applied
if available by the casino management system. The user input device
may include a card reading device, bill acceptor, touchscreen or
keypad for facilitating the transfer of funds from an open loop
account or non-gaming account to the gaming account or the receipt
of currency to be applied to the gaming account. It should be
readily apparent that security measures may be employed to ensure
the identity of the cardholder, such as the requirement to enter a
unique code or pin number. The user input device may be in part or
whole the same or a modified version of the hardware device
currently used by gaming machines to accept funds for gaming
credit.
[0041] Cardholders may also at any time or place access a user
interface provided by transaction processing module 114 for the
purpose of transferring funds between the open loop account (or
another non-gaming account) and the gaming account. Once the
transfer is confirmed through the user interface by the user, the
funds are transferred and the processor transmits transaction
information through data communication device 122 to the casino
management system for application of the changes to the gaming
account to reflect the transfer. In this embodiment transaction
data for closed loop transactions are stored in transaction
database 124. Reporting module 116 handles the reporting of
transfers as well as any other reporting requirements.
[0042] Use of the card in transactions involving the open loop
account may be processed and managed based on conventional
debit/prepaid card methodology and processing entities. Use of the
card for either open loop or closed loop transactions, including
loading either of the accounts with funds, transferring funds
between accounts, making payments, etc. may result in fees to
network members.
[0043] It should be understood that systems disclosed herein may
include control programs containing one or more instruction sets or
rules which may be written in a conventional computing language
such as HTML, C++ or Java, for coordinating the interactive and
functional relationship between databases, processors and data
communication devices.
[0044] Processors as disclosed herein may include microprocessors,
microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors,
central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries and/or
any other devices that manipulate signals and data based on
computer-readable instructions. Databases disclosed herein can
include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the
art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random
access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM),
and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM),
erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical
disks, and magnetic tapes. Modules disclosed herein may include
routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures, which
perform particular tasks or may also be implemented as, signal
processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other
device or component that manipulate signals based on
computer-readable instructions. Among other capabilities, the
processors disclosed herein may retrieve and execute
computer-readable instructions stored in one or more of the
databases disclosed herein.
[0045] In the foregoing description, numerous specific examples and
details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough
description of the invention. Thus, it will be apparent to one
skilled in the art, that the invention may be practiced without at
least some of the specific details provided herein. In other
instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so
as not to obscure the invention.
[0046] The functionality and principles of the embodiments
disclosed herein are best implemented by or with software programs,
instructions and applications, operating in connection with
computer hardware, such as data input/output devices, data
processing devices and data storage devices, which may be within
the same housing or independent and connected remotely. It is
expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding the many
design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current
technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the
concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of
generating such software and selecting appropriate hardware with
minimal experimentation. Therefore, in the interest of brevity and
minimization of any risk of obscuring the principles and concepts
according to this embodiment of the invention, further discussion
of such software and hardware, if any, will be limited to the
essentials with respect to the principles and concepts used by the
preferred or exemplary embodiments.
[0047] Some embodiments of the invention are directed to systems
and methods as described above which are wholly or partially
provided through downloadable applications and may be supported,
enabled or facilitated through components that may include various
computer and network related software and hardware, that is,
programs, operating systems, memory storage devices, data
input/output devices, data processors, servers with links to data
communication systems, wireless or otherwise, such as those which
take the form of a local or wide area network, and a plurality of
data transceiving terminals capable of interfacing with the
network, such as personal computers, handheld devices, PDAs, cell
phones or any other devices capable of displaying a user
interface.
[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the particular
types of communication network and devices, software and hardware
are not vital to the full implementation of the embodiments
described herein or other embodiments within the scope and spirit
of the invention. It should be understood that the type of
communication network and devices, software and hardware may also
vary based on the rapid advances in technology that are ongoing in
the industry. In other words, the precise software and hardware
configuration of the various embodiments of the invention may vary
accordingly while still remaining within the scope and spirit of
the invention.
[0049] Although this description discloses exemplary embodiments
including, among other components, software executed on hardware,
it should be noted that the embodiments are merely illustrative and
should not be considered as limiting. For example, it is
contemplated that any or all of the hardware and software
components may be embodied exclusively in hardware, exclusively in
software, exclusively in firmware, or in any combination of
hardware, software, and/or firmware. Accordingly, certain
embodiments may be implemented in other ways. Furthermore, well
known process steps and computer components may have not been
described in detail herein in order to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the underlying concepts.
[0050] Some portions of the disclosure are presented in terms of
algorithms (e.g., as represented in flowcharts, prose descriptions,
or both) and symbolic representations of operations on data bits
within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and
representations are the means used by those skilled in the data
processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their
work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and
generally, conceived to be a self- consistent sequence of steps
(instructions) leading to a desired result. The steps are those
requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually,
though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of
electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It is
convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to
refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols,
characters, terms, numbers, or the like. Furthermore, it is also
convenient at times to refer to certain arrangements of steps
requiring physical manipulations or transformation of physical
quantities or representations of physical quantities as modules or
code devices, without loss of generality. However, all of these and
similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical
quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these
quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from
the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the
description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing,"
"computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying,"
"determining," or the like, refer to the action and processes of a
computer system, or similar electronic computing device (such as a
specific computing machine), that manipulates and transforms data
represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer
system memories or registers or other such information storage,
transmission or display devices.
[0051] Certain aspects of the embodiments include process steps and
instructions described herein in the form of an algorithm. It
should be noted that the process steps and instructions of the
embodiments can be embodied in software, firmware, or hardware, and
when embodied in software, could be downloaded to reside on and be
operated from different platforms used by a variety of operating
systems. The embodiments can also be in a computer program product,
which can be executed on a computing system.
[0052] Some embodiments also relate to an apparatus for performing
the operations herein. Such an apparatus may be specially
constructed for the purposes, e.g., a specific computer, or it may
comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or
reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a
computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage
medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including
floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks,
read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs,
EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), or any type of media suitable for storing
electronic instructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus.
Memory can include any of the above and/or other devices that can
store information/data/programs and can be a transient or
non-transient medium, where a non-transient or non-transitory
medium can include memory/storage that stores information for more
than a minimal duration. Furthermore, the computers referred to in
the specification may include a single processor or may be
architectures employing multiple processor designs for increased
computing capability.
[0053] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not
inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus.
Various general-purpose systems may also be used with programs in
accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to
construct more specialized apparatus to perform the method steps.
The structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the
description herein. In addition, the embodiments are not described
with reference to any particular programming language. It will be
appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to
implement the teachings of the embodiments as described herein, and
any references herein to specific languages are provided for the
purposes of enablement and best mode.
[0054] The order of execution or performance of the operations in
the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein
is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the
operations described herein may be performed in any order, unless
otherwise specified, and embodiments of the invention may include
additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For
example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a
particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after
another operation is within the scope of aspects of the
invention.
[0055] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
while the invention has been described above in connection with
particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not
necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments,
examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments,
examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the disclosure
of the invention herein and as set forth in the claims and
equivalents thereto.
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