US20120290472A1

US20120290472A1 - Systems and devices for mobile payment acceptance

Info

Publication number: US20120290472A1
Application number: US13/468,462
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey D. Mullen; Christopher J. Rigatti; Michael T. Wallace
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Dynamics Inc
Priority date: 2011-05-10
Filing date: 2012-05-10
Publication date: 2012-11-15
Also published as: CA2835508A1; US20220327435A1; US20120286928A1; US20210350287A1; US20230036633A1; EP3869443A1; WO2012154915A1; US11501217B2; EP2707847A4; US11100431B2; EP3605432A1; US20120290449A1; EP2707847A1

Abstract

A mobile device may provide payment acceptance for purchases, payments and/or money transfers by accepting payment information from a powered, or a non-powered, card using a contactless communication channel formed between the card and the mobile device. The payment information may be communicated by the mobile device to network entities that may be used to settle such purchase, payment and/or money transfer transactions. The mobile device may, for example, accept more than one payment account to split a purchase among several payment accounts. A user of a mobile device may, for example, store payment information within the mobile device for future purchases. A user of a mobile device may, for example, request checkout options using the mobile device, such as customizing receipt delivery, annotating receipts with comments and categorizing purchases for customized accounting reports.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/484,547, titled “SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR MOBILE PAYMENT ACCEPTANCE,” filed May 10, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. D/063 PROV), 61/484,566, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A MOBILE ELECTRONIC WALLET,” filed May 10, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. D/064 PROV), 61/484,576, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MOBILE AUTHORIZATIONS,” filed May 10, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. D/065 PROV), and 61/484,588, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTACTLESS COMMUNICATION MECHANISMS FOR CARDS AND MOBILE DEVICES,” filed May 10, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. D/066 PROV) all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to mobile devices and related systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A mobile device is provided that may be used as a point-of-sale terminal. A contactless communication channel may, for example, be formed between the mobile device and a payment card to communicate payment information from the payment card to the mobile device. The mobile device may, for example, use the communicated payment information to complete a purchase transaction that may be initiated by the mobile device. Accordingly, for example, no payment information need reside on the mobile terminal to complete a payment transaction. Instead, an application may be remotely activated, or a user of a mobile device may activate an application on the mobile device, that allows the mobile device to accept payment information directly from a payment card before and/or during a payment transaction.
A mobile device may, for example, provide a browsing activity where goods and/or services may be located for purchase on a website (e.g., an Amazon or eBay website). An application may, for example, be executed on a mobile device that may communicate with a checkout application running on a website. Payment information may be exchanged directly from a user's payment card to the checkout application using the user's mobile device. In so doing, for example, a mobile device may be used as a contactless payment acceptance terminal.
A user may be provided an option of storing payment information associated with a payment card within a memory of the mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may store payment information associated with one or more payment accounts. In so doing, for example, a mobile device may store multiple payment accounts that may be recalled from a memory of the mobile device at the user's request to complete a payment transaction.
A mobile device may detect the presence of a card that is brought within a communication distance of a contactless interface of the mobile device. For example, a card having RFID capability may communicate with an RFID device of a mobile device when the card comes within a distance (e.g., up to 2 inches) of the mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a card type (e.g., a powered card or a non-powered card) may be identified by the mobile device.
A non-powered card may, for example, communicate one, two, and/or three tracks of magnetic stripe data to a mobile device via a contactless interface of the mobile device. Accordingly, a processor of a mobile device may identify an account type (e.g., credit or debit) that may be associated with the non-powered card by inspection of magnetic stripe data (e.g., account number) received from the non-powered card.
A powered card may, for example, communicate information (e.g., information within discretionary data fields) to a contactless interface of a mobile device. In so doing, for example, the additional information may be analyzed by a processor of the mobile device to determine that a detected card is a powered card having increased capability. Accordingly, for example, a user of a powered card may select a feature (e.g., pay with credit) on the powered card and a processor of a mobile device may detect that such a feature is selected based upon an analysis of information (e.g., discretionary data) received from the powered card.
A mobile device may validate a payment card. For example, a mobile device may request entry of a PIN after a payment card is presented to the mobile device and payment information is communicated to the mobile device by the payment card. Once entered, a mobile device may, for example, access a server associated with the payment card's issuing entity to validate the PIN. Alternately, for example, a processor of a mobile device may compare the PIN entry against local memory contents of the mobile device to validate the entered PIN.
As per another example, a mobile device may validate a payment card by requiring that the physical payment card be present during a payment transaction. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may require that a physical payment card be tapped against the mobile device so that a contactless communication channel may be formed between the payment card and the mobile device to verify the identity of the payment card. Accordingly, for example, identifying information communicated by the payment card to the mobile device may be compared against information previously stored within a memory of the mobile device that may be associated with the payment card.
One or more payment cards may, for example, be presented to a mobile device to complete a purchase transaction. Accordingly, for example, split-payment options may be offered by a mobile device. In so doing, for example, a first payment card may be tapped against a mobile device and accepted by the mobile device as a first form of partial payment, a second payment card may be tapped against a mobile device and accepted by the mobile device as a second form of partial payment, and so on. A mobile device may, for example, allow a user to select an amount for each partial payment and may settle each partial payment amount with each respective issuer of each payment card presented for partial payment.
A mobile device may provide checkout options to a user. For example, a mobile device may allow a user to associate purchase categories (e.g., groceries, auto repair, or entertainment) to purchases transacted by the mobile device so that the user may prepare a more detailed accounting of his or her expenditures. As per another example, a rewards card may be tapped against a mobile device so that rewards card information may be credited with purchases transacted by the mobile device.
A mobile device may provide receipt delivery options to a user. For example, a mobile device may allow a user to select one of many receipt delivery options (e.g., text messaging, email or autonomous delivery to accounting software executed by a processor of the mobile device). Other receipt options may be provided by a mobile device in a graphical format (e.g., a barcode) so that proof-of-purchase may be verified by a reader (e.g., a barcode reader).
Money transfers may, for example, be transacted by a mobile device. One or more payment accounts (e.g., a car account or a utility account) may be selected by a user of a mobile device to receive a payment transacted by the mobile device. Payment information may be recalled from memory and/or entered by a user of the mobile device and then communicated to network entities by the mobile device to complete payment transactions.
Person to person transfers may, for example, be transacted by a mobile device. A user of a mobile device may, for example, tap a payment card against the mobile device to communicate source account information to the mobile device where funds are to be withdrawn. A person receiving a transfer of funds may, for example, tap his or her payment card against a device (e.g., a mobile device) to communicate target account information where funds are to be deposited. A mobile device may, for example, gather source and target account information and communicate such information to network entities to complete the funds transfer transaction.
A mobile device may, for example, provide a scanning capability (e.g., via a camera) to scan images (e.g., barcodes) that may be analyzed by a processor of the mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may be used to scan product information from a product tag (e.g., a barcode) to select an item for purchase. As items are selected for purchase, scanned information is processed and displayed by the mobile device to produce a summary of items that may be selected for purchase. The mobile device may, for example, collect payment information from a payment card via a contactless communication channel and then use the payment information to complete a purchase transaction for the items scanned by the mobile device.
A mobile device may access electronic billing information via one or more communication capabilities of the mobile device. A merchant (e.g., a restaurant) may provide access to an electronic tab generated by the merchant (e.g., a bill generated by a restaurant for a dinner for two). Items billed by the merchant may be accessed by a user of a mobile device and displayed by the mobile device to produce a summary of items billed. The mobile device may, for example, collect payment information from a payment card via a contactless communication channel and then use the payment information to complete a purchase transaction for the billed items.
Any mobile device, such as a laptop computer, a mobile telephonic device (e.g., a cellular phone), a PDA, an MP3 player, or a positioning device (e.g., a GPS) may be a point-of-sale terminal. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may accept payment information from any payment card, communicate such payment information via a network, complete a settlement process with network entities (e.g., an issuer or a payment server) on such a network, and provide results (e.g., an electronic receipt) of the completed purchase transaction to a user of the mobile device.
A mobile device may include a contactless communication device. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may communicate with any card having contactless communication capability. For example, a card (e.g., a non-powered card) may include a near-field communication device (e.g., an RFID tag) that may communicate with a contactless communication device of a mobile device to form a two-way communication channel between the card and the mobile device. In so doing, for example, a non-powered card may communicate one, two, and/or three tracks of magnetic stripe information to a mobile device before and/or during a purchase transaction conducted by the mobile device.
A card (e.g., a powered card) may include a near-field communication device (e.g., an RFID) that may communicate with a contactless communication device of a mobile device. A powered card may, for example, include a battery, a processor, memory, and a manual input interface (e.g., one or more buttons) that may allow a user of the powered card to programmably communicate information to a mobile device. For example, a powered payment card may include a feature associated with a button that allows a user to, for example, pay with credit or pay with debit. Accordingly, for example, a powered payment card may communicate such a payment selection within discretionary data fields of one or more tracks of magnetic stripe data.
A powered card may, for example, include circuitry to simulate touch (e.g., a capacitance change) in order to form a contactless communication channel with a mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a powered card may be pressed against a touch-sensitive display of a mobile device and information may be communicated by the powered card to the mobile device through a series of card-simulated touches that may be detected by the touch-sensitive display of the mobile device and processed by a processor of the mobile device as data communicated by the powered card.
A powered card may, for example, include a light sensor to form a contactless communication channel with a mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a powered card may be pressed against a display of a mobile device and information may be communicated from the mobile device to the powered card through a series of light pulses generated by the display of the mobile device. A frequency, pulse width, and/or a pulse intensity of light pulses may, for example, be detected by a processor of a powered card as data communicated by a mobile device.
A powered card may, for example, include a light source (e.g., an LED) to form a contactless communication channel with a mobile device.
Accordingly, for example, a powered card may emit varying light pulses from an LED that may be detected by a motion-capture device (e.g., a camera) of a mobile device as data communicated by the powered card. A powered card may, for example, include sound emission capabilities that may be detected by a microphone of a mobile device as data communicated by the powered card through a contactless communication channel. A mobile device may, for example, include sound emission capabilities that may be detected by a microphone of a powered card as data communicated by the mobile device through a contactless communication channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The principles and advantages of the present invention can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same structural elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a mobile devices constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a network topology constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a mobile payment system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an illustration of a display screen constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a mobile funds transfer system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is an illustration of a mobile payment system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a mobile payment system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an illustration of a mobile payment system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 26 is a flow chart of processes constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows mobile device 100. Mobile device 100 may be any mobile device, such as a mobile telephonic device (e.g., cell phone), a PDA, an electronic tablet, an MP3 player, or a locating device (e.g., a GPS device). Accordingly, mobile device 100 may be operated in a mobile environment while a user of mobile device 100 goes about his or her daily activities (e.g., driving, shopping, walking, dining, and exercising). In addition, for example, mobile device 100 may perform multiple functions simultaneously (e.g., a person may carry on a conversation while at the same time browsing and purchasing products on the Internet).
Mobile device 100 may include audio processing devices (e.g., microphone 108 and speaker 110). Accordingly, for example, mobile device 100 may receive voice commands from a user via microphone 108 and may process such commands to perform a function. For example, a user may place mobile device 100 into a desired operational mode by speaking a command into microphone 108 that is associated with the desired operational mode. In so doing, for example, mobile device 100 may engage in hands-free operation by receiving voice commands via microphone 108 and performing functions associated with the received voice commands.
Mobile device 100 may receive data input via microphone 108. For example, a voice-band modem may generate signals in a voice-band frequency range that may be received by microphone 108. A processor of mobile device 100 may interpret the received audible information as data signals and may process the data signals as, for example, data values and/or control data input.
Mobile device 100 may include camera 102. Camera 102 may capture one or more frames of video data and store the video data within a memory of mobile device 100. Accordingly, for example, a processor of mobile device 100 may receive one or more frames of video information via camera 102 and may process the video information as data values and/or control data input. In so doing, for example, mobile device 100 may receive optical information that is sensed by camera 102 during a series of one or more video capture events that produce one or more frames of video information. The one or more frames of video information may contain one or more data elements (e.g., pixels) having properties (e.g., color, intensity, or contrast) that may be interpreted by a processor of mobile device 100 as data values and/or control data.
Mobile device 100 may include manual input interface 112. Manual input interface 112 may, for example, include keys and/or buttons that may be sensitive to manual input, such as a touch or an application of pressure. Accordingly, for example, a user of mobile device 100 may enter information into mobile device 100 via manual interface 112 to cause a processor of mobile device 100 to enter a particular mode of operation. Manual interface 112 may, for example, be used for data entry (e.g., dialing a phone number or entering data as may be requested by mobile device 100) during a particular mode of operation of mobile device 100.
Mobile device 100 may include display 104. Display 104 may provide visible information that may be utilized by a user during interaction with mobile device 100. A portion or all of display 104 may be touch sensitive such that objects making contact with display 104 or objects coming within a proximity of display 104 may be detected by a processor of mobile device 100. Accordingly, for example, mobile payment graphical user interface 106 may be provided by display 104 so that graphical information may be displayed to solicit and/or receive data entry from a user. In so doing, for example, touch-sensitive graphical user interface devices such as radio buttons, textual input boxes, virtual buttons, pull-down menus, and navigational tools may be used for data entry to initiate, change, and/or support functions performed by mobile device 100.
FIG. 1 shows architecture 150. User interface 152 may, for example, be included within architecture 150 to allow user interaction with architecture 150. For example, a dedicated key pad or keyboard may be included within user interface 152 to allow alphanumeric data entry into architecture 150.
Architecture 150 may include one or more displays 154. Display 154 may, for example, be touch-sensitive. Accordingly, for example, display 154 may be utilized for alphanumeric data entry using virtual buttons that may be rendered onto touch-sensitive portions of display 154. In so doing, for example, touching virtual buttons that may be associated with alphabetic and numeric characters of display 154 may be detected by processor 158 as alphanumeric data entry.
Alphanumeric entry boxes may, for example, be rendered onto display 154. A user may, for example, activate a cursor within such an alphanumeric entry box by touching an area within the alphanumeric entry box. A user may utilize user interface 152 and/or a virtual keypad rendered onto display 154 to select alphanumeric characters to be placed within the alphanumeric entry box in accordance with a character position identified by an activated cursor within the alphanumeric entry box. In so doing, for example, processor 158 may receive alphanumeric characters as typed into a alphanumeric entry box of display 154 and may use such alphanumeric characters as data input.
Display 154 may, for example, provide data output from architecture 150. For example, display 154 may communicate data using a series of light pulses. Accordingly, for example, processor 158 may cause one or more portions of display 154 to produce light pulses having varying characteristics (e.g., duration, intensity, and frequency) that may communicate information via such light pulses. In so doing, for example, a device that may be sensitive to light pulses may receive information communicated by display 154 via light pulses having varying characteristics. Display 154 may, for example, communicate data using visual information that may be substantially static (e.g., a barcode).
Architecture 150 may include one or more transceivers 156. Transceiver 156 may communicate information to and/or may receive information from one or more devices. Transceiver 156 may, for example, communicate via a wireless interface with one or more cellular stations of a mobile network. Accordingly, for example, transceiver 156 may allow a mobile device (e.g., mobile device 100 of FIG. 1) to establish a communications channel with an associated cellular station. In so doing, for example, a mobile device (e.g., mobile device 100 of FIG. 1) may exchange information (e.g., voice, text, data, or multimedia) with one or more terrestrial networks (e.g., the internet or a payment network) via an associated cellular station. As per another example, transceiver 156 may exchange information with one or more other mobile devices via one or more associated cellular stations.
Transceiver 156 may, for example, communicate via a wireless interface with one or more mobile devices directly. Accordingly, for example, transceiver 156 may communicate with another mobile device without first accessing a mobile network via a cellular station of the mobile network. As per another example, transceiver 156 may, for example, communicate via a wireless interface with one or more network devices (e.g., a wireless access point) directly. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device (e.g., mobile device 100 of FIG. 1) may directly connect to a wired and/or a wireless network via any one or more wireless standards (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) to exchange information with other devices that may be connected to the wired and/or wireless network. In so doing, for example, a wired and/or wireless network may be accessed by a mobile device without first accessing a mobile network via a cellular station of a mobile network.
Architecture 150 may include contactless communication device 162, which may communicate via any one or more contactless communication methodologies, such as for example, near field communications (e.g., RFID), Bluetooth, touch simulation, light pulsing (e.g., via an LED), and electromagnetic data communication (e.g., via a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device). Accordingly, for example, contactless communication device 162 may be compatible with any contactless device, such as for example, an RFID enabled payment card and a contactless reader (e.g., a magnetic stripe reader or an NFC reader).
A non-powered card may, for example, communicate with contactless communications device 162. Contactless communication device 162 may, for example, establish a carrier field (e.g., an RF field) that may be modulated by a device (e.g., an RFID tag) of a non-powered payment card. In so doing, for example, an RFID tag of a non-powered payment card may derive operational power from an RF field provided by contactless communications device 162 and may communicate information (e.g., one, two, and/or three tracks of magnetic stripe data) to contactless communication device 162 by modulating the RF field produced by contactless communications device 162.
A powered card may, for example, communicate with contactless communication device 162. A powered card may, for example, include a processor, a battery, a memory, wireless communications devices (e.g., a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device or RFID) and other electronics (e.g., buttons) that may allow a user to interact with the powered card to perform one or more functions. Accordingly, for example, a powered card may be used to communicate specific information to contactless communication device 162 by selective interaction with the buttons of the powered card. In so doing, for example, a powered card may be used to interactively communicate magnetic stripe information (e.g., one, two, and/or three tracks of magnetic stripe data) to contactless communication device 162 by sending a signal to a processor of a powered card (e.g., by pressing a button on the powered card) to initiate such communications.
Contactless communication device 162 may receive variable data sets from a powered card based upon, for example, manual input provided to a powered card. For example, a button associated with an on-line purchase may be pressed on the powered card that causes a variable data set (e.g., account number and expiration date) to be communicated from the powered card to contactless communication device 162.
Discretionary data may, for example, be communicated by a powered card based upon which button was pressed on the powered card. In so doing, for example, a security code (e.g., “111”) may be communicated within a discretionary data field when a button associated with a particular feature (e.g., pay with credit) is pressed on the powered card. As per another example, a different security code (e.g., “222”) may be communicated within a discretionary data field when a button associated with a different feature (e.g., pay with debit) is pressed on the powered card. Accordingly, for example, processor 158 may identify what type of device may be in communication with contactless communication device 162 by analyzing the data communicated to contactless communication device 162.
Architecture 150 may include memory 160 and/or processor 158 may include internal memory. Accordingly, for example, application code may be stored within memory 160 and/or processor 158 and executed by processor 158 in support of functions performed by architecture 150. For example, an application (e.g., a graphical user interface) may be executed by architecture 150 and displayed onto display 154, which may be used to interact with a user of a mobile device (e.g., mobile device 100 of FIG. 1). Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that executable application code may be communicated to architecture 150 via any one or more interfaces of architecture 150 (e.g., user interface 152, display 154, transceiver 156, and/or contactless communication device 162).
Application data (e.g., payment card data) may be stored within memory 160 and accessed by processor 158 during operation. For example, payment card data may be stored within memory 160 and recalled by processor 158 during a financial transaction being conducted by a mobile device (e.g., mobile device 100 of FIG. 1). Once recalled, processor 158 may communicate the payment card data via transceiver 156 and/or contactless communication device 162 to complete a financial transaction.
FIG. 2 shows network topology 200 that may include, for example, mobile device 202 (e.g., a mobile telephonic device, a PDA, an electronic tablet, a laptop, a GPS unit, or an MP3 player). Mobile device 202 may, for example, include a contactless interface that may initiate, sustain, and/or terminate communication channel 226 between contactless device 204 and mobile device 202. Contactless device 204 and mobile device 202 may communicate via channel 226 using any number of contactless mediums, which may include for example, visible, audible, capacitive, electromagnetic, magnetic, and/or RF mediums.
Mobile device 202 may provide one or more transceivers that may communicate with one or more wired networks (e.g., IP network 212 and/or payment network 214) and/or one or more wireless networks (e.g., mobile network 210). Mobile device 202 may, for example, communicate with a cellular station over a wireless radio interface (e.g., a GSM air interface) that may be used by mobile device 202 to communicate information (e.g., voice and data) to cellular network access infrastructure 206 (e.g., one or more GSM base transceiver stations, base station controllers, and mobile switching centers). Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that cellular network access infrastructure 206 may utilize any multiple access architecture, such as for example, a code-division multiple access architecture and/or a time-division multiple access architecture.
Mobile device 202 may, for example, communicate with wireless access point 208 over a wireless interface (e.g., a Bluetooth interface or a Wi-Fi interface). Accordingly, for example, mobile device 202 may access one or more wired networks (e.g., IP network 212 and/or payment network 214) and/or one or more wireless networks (e.g., mobile network 210) without the need to first gain access to cellular network access infrastructure 206.
Contactless device 204 may, for example, be a powered card or a non-powered card (e.g., a powered payment card or a non-powered payment card). Accordingly, for example, payment information (e.g., a payment account number and a card expiration date) may be communicated from contactless device 204 to mobile device 202 in support of a financial transaction being conducted by mobile device 202. In so doing, for example, items for purchase on IP network 212 (e.g., the internet) may be accessed by a browser of mobile device 202 via an access point (e.g., wireless access point 208 or cellular network access infrastructure 206). Mobile device 202 may, for example, complete a purchase transaction by first obtaining required payment information from contactless device 204 and then communicating such payment information to network entities (e.g., payment server 216 and/or issuer 220).
Payment server 216 may, for example, contact issuer 220 via a network (e.g., payment network 214) with payment information received from mobile device 202 for authorization of a purchase. Once authorized, payment transaction information may be recorded onto a receipt that may be delivered to mobile device 202 via any one or more delivery options (e.g., via a short messaging service of mobile network 210 or an email delivery service of IP network 212).
A payment receipt may, for example, be provided to mobile device 202 as a proof-of-purchase object (e.g., a barcode) that may be provided to a display of mobile device 202 and read by other computing equipment (e.g., a barcode scanner) for proof-of-purchase confirmation.
A mobile device (e.g., mobile device 224) may, for example, include a contactless communication device (e.g., an RFID) that may initiate, sustain, and/or terminate contactless communication channel 228 with merchant terminal 218. Accordingly, for example, mobile device 224 may communicate payment information to merchant terminal 218 to complete a financial transaction. In so doing, for example, mobile device 224 may first receive payment information via contactless communication channel 230 from contactless device 222 (e.g., a non-powered card), temporarily store the received payment information within a memory of mobile device 224, and forward the payment information onto merchant terminal 218 to complete a financial transaction. As per another example, mobile device 224 may provide previously stored financial information associated with one or more payment cards (e.g., one or more non-powered payment cards). Accordingly, for example, payment information may be recalled from a memory of mobile device 224 and communicated to merchant terminal 218 via contactless communication channel 228 to complete a financial transaction using merchant terminal 218.
FIG. 3 shows system 300, which may include mobile device 302 and payment card 304. Mobile device 302 may, for example, be a laptop computer, a PDA, a mobile telephonic device (e.g., a smartphone), an MP3 player, a GPS, or any other mobile device. Display 308 may be a touch-sensitive display (e.g., sensitive to a change in capacitance). Payment card 304 may, for example, be a powered payment card or a non-powered payment card.
Mobile device 302 and payment card 304 may each include a contactless communication device (e.g., RFID) that may communicate via a contactless communication channel that may be formed between mobile device 302 and payment card 304 after coming into proximity to one another. Payment card 304 may, for example, be tapped onto display 308 of mobile device 302 to establish a proximity relationship that forms a communication channel between payment card 304 and mobile device 302. As per another example, payment card 304 may be brought within a proximity distance (e.g., up to two inches) of mobile device 302 to establish a contactless communication channel between mobile device 302 and payment card 304.
A processor of mobile device 302 may, for example, execute application code that may generate a graphical user interface (GUI) onto display 308 of mobile device 302. Message 306 of a GUI may invite a user of mobile device 302 to begin a mobile payment by tapping a payment card against display 308. As per another example, by tapping payment card 304 against mobile device 302, mobile device 302 may autonomously determine that a mobile payment is desired and then generate a mobile payment GUI onto display 302.
Mobile device 302 may, for example, autonomously determine a type of card that may be tapped against it. For example, a processor of mobile device 302 may receive payment card data that may be indicative of a non-powered payment card (e.g., payment card data received from a non-powered card may not provide a security code associated with the card). As per another example, a processor of mobile device 302 may receive data that may be indicative of a powered card (e.g., payment card data received may contain a dynamically generated security code). Payment card data received from a powered card may, for example, include a dynamic security code that may change depending upon a type of transaction being conducted (e.g., debit or credit transaction).
As per another example, payment card 304 may be a powered payment card that may include electronics to simulate a human touch (e.g., payment card 304 may generate a change in capacitance that may be sensed by display 308). Through a series of simulated touches, payment card 304 may communicate a series of data bits to display 308, which may then be processed by a processor of mobile device 302. In so doing, for example, a contactless communication channel may be established where data is transferred from payment card 304 to mobile device 302 via a series of simulated touches.
Payment card 304 may, for example, include a light sensor. Accordingly, for example, payment card 304 may be sensitive to light pulses generated within a region of display 308. The light sensor of payment card 304 may receive a series of light pulses, which may be construed by a processor of payment card 304 as data generated by mobile device 302. In so doing, for example, payment card 304 may receive an optical data stream represented by a series of light pulses generated by display 308. As such, a two-way communication channel may be formed, where simulated touches may generate a data stream from payment card 304 to mobile device 302 and light pulses may generate a data stream from mobile device 302 to payment card 304.
FIG. 4 shows GUI 400, that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 400 may, for example, generate results of a card detection operation that may be performed by a processor of a mobile device. For example, card information may be exchanged between a card and a mobile device via a contactless communication channel that may identify a type of card that is being presented to the mobile device. Any type of card may be detected by a processor of a mobile device, such as for example, an airline card, a travel card, a bank card, a healthcare card, an identification card, and a loyalty rewards card. A card number communicated to a mobile device may, for example, be indicative of a card type (e.g., bank card 404) that is presented to a mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a processor of a mobile device may identify a card type presented to the mobile device by analyzing a card number received from the card and may indicate the identified card type via GUI 400 (e.g., the identified card type may be generated onto GUI 400 having a different graphical presentation than the other card types listed).
A GUI may, for example, provide navigation aids. A GUI may, for example, provide navigation aids that may be touch sensitive. For example, GUI 400 may include navigation aids 406 and 408 to enable a user to revert to a previous GUI or advance to a subsequent GUI. Accordingly, for example, a user may touch an area on a display of a mobile device that displays a navigation aid to activate the touched navigation aid. In so doing, for example, a user may touch navigation aid 406 to revert to the previous GUI or a user may touch navigation aid 408 to advance to the next GUI.
FIG. 5 shows GUI 500, that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 500 may, for example, generate results of a payment card detection operation that may be performed by a processor of a mobile device. A non-powered payment card may, for example, communicate a single payment card number that may be associated with a number of payment options (e.g., debit, credit, or points). Accordingly, for example, GUI 500 may be generated to allow a user an opportunity to select which payment option (e.g., credit option 502) from a number of payment options is to be used to settle a payment transaction. Once identified, a payment option selection (e.g., credit option 502) may be communicated by a mobile device to an issuer of the payment card to settle the transaction using the selected payment option.
As per another example, a powered payment card may include a user interface to allow a user to select from a number of payment options. A button on a powered payment card may, for example, be associated with one payment method (e.g., pay with credit) and another button may, for example, be associated with another payment method (e.g., pay with points). Data associated with the selected payment method may be communicated from a powered payment card to a mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a processor of a mobile device may detect the payment method communicated by a powered payment card (e.g., as communicated within a discretionary data field) and may autonomously generate a graphical representation of the payment method selected (e.g., GUI 500 may autonomously generate a graphical representation that credit method 502 was selected).
FIG. 6 shows GUI 600 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 600 may, for example, include a bank card validation screen as may be generated by a processor of a mobile device. A mobile device may, for example, challenge a user of the mobile device to enter a PIN that may be associated with a payment card (e.g., VISA credit 602) that was previously presented to the mobile device for payment. GUI 600 may, for example, generate virtual pin pad 606 that may include touch-sensitive buttons having alphanumeric indicia associated with each button. A user may touch one or more buttons of pin pad 606 that may correspond to respective characters of a PIN and an indication of the user's selection may appear within area 604. Characters displayed within area 604 may, for example, be hidden for security purposes.
Activation of virtual button 608 may, for example, cause a processor of a mobile device to compare a PIN entered by a user of the mobile device to a PIN that may be associated with the payment card presented to the mobile device for payment. The PIN may, for example, be stored within protected memory of the mobile device, so that a processor of the mobile device may locally determine the validity of the PIN entered. Alternately, for example, the mobile device may communicate the PIN to the issuing bank for a remote validation of the PIN entered. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a user interface (e.g., a keypad or keyboard) of a mobile device may be used instead of virtual pin pad 606 to enter the one or more characters of a PIN.
FIG. 7 shows GUI 700 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 700 may, for example, include a bank card validation screen as may be generated by a processor of a mobile device. A mobile device may, for example, challenge a user of the mobile device to enter a security code that may be associated with a payment card (e.g., VISA credit 702) that was previously presented to the mobile device for payment. Such a security code (e.g., a CVV code) may, for example, be printed on the back of the payment card.
GUI 700 may, for example, generate virtual pin pad 706 that may include touch-sensitive buttons having alphanumeric indicia associated with each button. A user may touch one or more buttons of pin pad 706 that may correspond to respective characters of a security code and an indication of the user's selection may appear within area 704. Characters displayed within area 704 may, for example, be hidden for security purposes.
Activation of virtual button 708 may, for example, cause a processor of a mobile device to compare a security code entered by a user of the mobile device to a security code that may be associated with the payment card presented to the mobile device for payment. The security code may, for example, be stored within protected memory of the mobile device, so that a processor of the mobile device may locally determine the validity of the security code entered. Alternately, for example, the mobile device may communicate the security code to the issuing bank for a remote validation of the security code entered. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a user interface (e.g., a keypad or keyboard) of a mobile device may be used instead of virtual pin pad 706 to enter the one or more characters of a security code.
FIG. 8 shows GUI 800 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 800 may, for example, include a bank card validation screen as may be generated by a processor of a mobile device. A mobile device may, for example, maintain memory of one or more payment cards previously presented to the mobile device for payment. A mobile device may, for example, allow a user to store payment information within the mobile device that may be associated with a payment card to be used at some point in the future.
Accordingly, for example, a user may recall payment information previously stored in memory of a mobile device in order to complete a purchase transaction using the mobile device. In order to validate that a user of a mobile device is actually the owner of payment information recalled from memory of the mobile device, GUI 800 may challenge the user to present the physical payment card whose associated payment information was recalled from memory. In so doing, for example, GUI 800 may prevent a fraudulent user of a mobile device from authorizing a purchase using payment information stored in memory of the mobile device that is not owned by the fraudulent user.
A user may, for example, be required to present a physical payment card to GUI 800 by placing (or tapping) the physical payment card within a proximity of a display of a mobile device that is generating GUI 800. In so doing, for example, a contactless communication channel (e.g., an RFID communication channel) may be established between the physical payment card and the mobile device, such that payment information may be communicated from the physical payment card to the mobile device. Upon verification that the communicated payment information matches payment information stored in memory of the mobile device, the payment information may be validated and authorized to be communicated from the mobile device to a network entity (e.g., a payment server or the issuer of the payment card) for settlement of the purchase transaction.
FIG. 9 shows GUI 900 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 900 may, for example, include validation area 902 as generated by a processor of a mobile device. Validation area 902 may, for example, include one or more data exchange areas (e.g., data exchange areas 904 and 906). Icon 904 may, for example, be generated by GUI 900 within an area of a display of a mobile device that may be sensitive to touch (e.g., an area that may be sensitive to a capacitance change). Area 906 may, for example, be generated by GUI 900 within an area of a display of a mobile device that may generate pulses of light.
A powered payment card may be validated for use by a mobile device through an exchange data with the powered payment card via data exchange areas 904 and 906. For example, a powered payment card may be pressed against validation area 902 so that a touch simulation device of the powered payment card aligns with data exchange area 904 and a light sensing device aligns with data exchange area 906. Accordingly, for example, the powered payment card may communicate information to a processor of a mobile device by simulating a series of touches in data exchange area 904 and data may be communicated to the powered payment card by a processor of the mobile device by generating a series of light pulses in data exchange area 906. In so doing, for example, a mobile device and a powered payment card may exchange validation information so that payment card information stored within the mobile device may be validated for use.
A mobile device may, for example, include a motion capture device (e.g., a camera) and a powered payment card may, for example, include a light source (e.g., an LED). Accordingly, for example, information (e.g., validation information) may be exchanged between a mobile device and a powered payment card such that information communicated by the powered payment card may be communicated as a series of light pulses while the camera of the mobile device captures the series of light pulses. A processor of the mobile device may construe the series of light pulses as information that may be used, for example, as validation information.
FIG. 10 shows GUI 1000 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 1000 may be generated, for example, after payment card information has been communicated by either of a non-powered payment card or a powered payment card to a mobile device. A user of a mobile device may, for example, elect whether to store such payment card information within a memory location of the mobile device. If a user chooses not to store payment information received from a payment card (e.g., as elected by selection of radio button 1004), a mobile device may delete all payment information previously received from a payment card after the payment information is used to complete a purchase transaction. Accordingly, a user wishing to use the same payment card to complete a payment transaction in the future is required to present the payment card to the mobile device so that the payment card may communicate payment card information to the mobile device in order to complete the payment transaction. If a user chooses to store payment information received from a payment card (e.g., as elected by selection of radio button 1002), a mobile device may store a portion of, or all, payment information previously received from a payment card in accordance with a user's preference.
FIG. 11 shows GUI 1100 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 1100 may, for example, offer storage options to a user of a mobile device that has elected to store a portion of, or all, payment card information previously communicated to the mobile device by a non-powered card or a powered card. A data storage option may, for example, be selected by a user of a mobile device (e.g., by touching a portion of text box 1102) that stores only a portion (e.g., an expiration date and payment card account number) of the payment card information into a memory of the mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a payment card may communicate one, two, and/or three tracks of magnetic stripe data to a mobile device, but the only payment information stored within a memory of the mobile device upon selection of text box 1102 is the expiration date and the payment card account number. All remaining information that may have been communicated by the payment card to the mobile device may be deleted by the mobile device.
Selection of text box 1104 may, for example, cause all payment information communicated by a payment card to a mobile device to be stored within a memory of the mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may use a portion or all of the payment information stored within its memory to complete a purchase transaction. However, payment card validation information (e.g., a PIN or security code) may still be required to be entered by a user of the mobile device before the mobile device may complete a purchase transaction with the stored payment information.
Selection of box 1106 may, for example, cause all payment information communicated by a payment card to a mobile device to be stored within a memory of the mobile device. All validation information (e.g., a PIN or security code) that may be entered by a user of the mobile device to validate payment information received from a payment card may also be stored within a memory of the mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may use a portion or all of the payment information, including validation information, stored within its memory to complete a purchase transaction.
Selection of box 1108 may, for example, cause all payment information, including discretionary data fields, communicated by a payment card to a mobile device to be stored within a memory of the mobile device. A powered payment card may, for example, allow a user of the powered payment card to select one or more options that may be associated with the powered payment card. A powered payment card may, for example, communicate indicia associated with the one or more selected options within discretionary data fields of magnetic stripe data that may be communicated to a mobile device.
For example, a user of a powered payment card may elect to pay for a purchase using rewards points by pressing a button on the powered payment card that is associated with a rewards points payment option. Accordingly, for example, a powered payment card may insert a rewards points payment code within a discretionary data field of a first, a second and/or a third track of magnetic stripe data and may communicate all track data, including the discretionary data field, to a mobile device. In so doing, for example, a processor of a mobile device may detect such a payment code within a discretionary data field and may store payment information within a memory of the mobile device that is indicative of the rewards points payment code contained within the discretionary data field.
FIG. 12 shows GUI 1200 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 1200 may, for example, offer a split-payment option to a user of a mobile device, such that the user may elect to split payment for a selected purchase between two or more payment accounts. The mobile device may, for example, communicate payment information for each of the selected split-payment accounts to respective network entities (e.g., issuer and payment servers) of the selected split-payment accounts in order to settle the amounts owing on each of the selected split-payment accounts.
A user may, for example, select option 1202 (e.g., by tapping a payment card against a display of a mobile device or by presenting a payment card within proximity to the mobile device). In so doing, for example, a contactless communication channel (e.g., an RFID communication channel) may be established between the payment card and the mobile device so that payment information associated with the payment card may be communicated by the payment card to the mobile device and used as a split-payment account for a selected purchase.
An alternate contactless communication channel may be established, for example, by pressing a payment card against portion 1208. Accordingly, for example, a payment card may communicate payment information associated with the payment card to a processor of a mobile device by simulating a series of touches at a location within portion 1208 (e.g., at icon 1210) and the processor of the mobile device may communicate information to the payment card by generating a series of light pulses at a location within portion 1208 (e.g., at location 1212). In so doing, for example, payment information associated with the payment card may be received by a processor of a mobile device and used as a split-payment account to partially cover the purchase price of a selected purchase.
Other contactless communication channels may be established. For example, a processor of a payment card may communicate payment information to a mobile device by generating a series of light pulses (e.g., via an LED of the payment card), which may be captured by a camera of the mobile device and construed by a processor of the mobile device as payment information. As per another example, a payment card may communicate payment information using audible sounds that may be received by a microphone of a mobile device and construed by a processor of the mobile device as payment information.
A payment account may, for example, be selected from a memory of the mobile device (e.g., by selecting radio button 1204). Associated payment information may, for example, be selectively retrieved from a memory of the mobile device and used by the mobile device as a split-payment account in partial payment for a selected purchase. Alternately, for example, a split-payment option may be declined by a user of a mobile device (e.g., by selecting radio button 1206).
FIG. 13 shows GUI 1300 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 1300 may, for example, provide a summary of split-payment methods that may have been selected by a user of a mobile device. Portion 1302, for example, may display an amount owing for a particular selected purchase. Portions 1304-1308 may, for example, include an alphanumeric entry box to allow a user of a mobile device to input payment amounts (e.g., currency or points) that he or she wishes to apply towards a total amount owing as may be displayed in portion 1302. Portions 1304-1308 may, for example, include those payment accounts that a user of a mobile device previously selected as split-payment accounts.
Accordingly, for example, a user may elect to charge $10 against a VISA credit account, $35 against a M/C debit account, and 500 rewards points earned by the VISA credit account towards full payment of a $50 amount owing for a particular selected purchase. In so doing, for example, a mobile device may communicate with selected network entities (e.g., issuer and payment servers) to provide transaction information associated with each split-payment account selected, so that each amount owing may be settled.
Portions 1310-1314 may, for example, include alphanumeric entry boxes to allow a user of a mobile device to make comments on each account selected as a split-payment account. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may communicate notes that may be entered by a user within portions 1310-1314 to, for example, a payment server. In so doing, for example, receipts and/or account statements that may be generated by a network entity (e.g., an issuer or a payment server) may include such notes so that a user of a mobile device, upon receipt of such receipts and/or account statements, may be reminded of his or her thought process when such a split-payment was transacted.
FIG. 14 shows GUI 1400 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 1400 may, for example, offer checkout options to a user of a mobile device to allow a level of integration between the user and one or more issuers of associated payment accounts used by the mobile device in settlement of a selected purchase.
For example, a user may utilize billing tag list 1402 to categorize a selected purchase into one of many purchase categories. A user's physical presence may, for example, be at a fast-food establishment where the user may select a food purchase from the fast-food establishment's website using a browser of the user's mobile device. Payment information used to settle a transaction associated with the selected food purchase may be collected and/or generated by the mobile device and forwarded onto a payment server and/or an associated issuer for settlement. In addition, the mobile device may forward a billing tag selected from billing tag list 1402 to the associated issuer, so that the associated issuer may label the selected transaction on a billing statement using the selected billing tag. In so doing, for example, a user may customize an accounting of the issuer's billing statement by using a mobile device to communicate payment information and billing tags associated with selected purchases to track expenditures within the various purchase categories of billing tag list 1402.
A user of a mobile device may select receipt delivery options for each purchase that may be transacted using a mobile device. For example, a receipt delivery list may be generated by a processor of a mobile device so that a user of the mobile device may select a receipt delivery option. Accordingly, for example, the selected receipt delivery option along with payment information may be communicated by a mobile device to a payment server and the payment server (or other entity) may direct a delivery of the receipt based upon the receipt delivery option received.
A user may, for example, request delivery of a purchase receipt via text messaging (e.g., by selecting receipt delivery option 1406). In so doing, for example, a mobile device may complete a purchase transaction with an entity of a payment network (e.g., a payment server) and may further request that the payment server deliver a receipt to the mobile device in a text message format. Accordingly, for example, in addition to providing payment information to the payment server, a mobile device may also provide a text message address (e.g., an SMS text message address) to the payment server. In so doing, for example, the mobile device may receive a receipt of the completed purchase transaction from the payment server via a text message at the text message address provided by the mobile device.
As per another example, a multimedia message (e.g., an MMS message containing rich content) may be received by a mobile device from a payment server in the form of, for example, a graphical image (e.g., barcode), such that the barcode may be used as a proof-of-purchase (e.g., proof-of-purchase of an airline ticket and an associated barcode that gains access by the user of the mobile device to a particular seating assignment on the airplane.)
A receipt (e.g., a receipt received via multimedia messaging) may, for example, provide rewards to a user of the mobile device for completing payment transactions via a mobile device. For example, a mobile device may communicate indicia to a payment server that identifies a payment transaction as a mobile payment transaction. The communicated mobile payment indicia may, for example, trigger a payment server to not only provide a receipt for the purchase transaction to the mobile device, but also to provide a multimedia game that may be executed by the mobile device. As per an example, an animated trivia question may be communicated to a mobile device via an MMS message upon completion of a mobile payment transaction. Upon successfully answering the animated trivia question, a user of the mobile device may receive another MMS message that contains a coupon for free merchandise from the merchant whose goods were just purchased. As per another example, a receipt received from a payment server may itself contain coupons for discounted or free merchandise without requiring that a user of the mobile device perform any further actions beyond completing a mobile payment purchase with a mobile device.
A user may, for example, request delivery of a purchase receipt via email (e.g., by selecting receipt delivery option 1408). In so doing, for example, an email address associated with the user may be provided by the mobile device to a payment server in addition to any required payment information that may be required to complete a purchase transaction. Accordingly, for example, a payment server may address a receipt to an email address received from a mobile device during a mobile payment transaction.
A user may, for example, request delivery of a purchase receipt (e.g., by selecting receipt delivery option 1410) via a format that may be compatible with an accounting software package (e.g., QuickBooks). For example, a mobile device may allow a user to categorize a particular purchase within a particular expense account (e.g., an office supply expense account) during a purchase transaction. Once the purchase transaction is completed, an electronic receipt may be communicated to the mobile device that may be tagged with the categorized expense account (e.g., the accounting software package may have its own address that receipts may be delivered to). In so doing, for example, an accounting software package that may be executing on the mobile device may autonomously access the electronic receipt from its own address and may autonomously enter the expense in the correct category so that all purchases made by the mobile device may be correctly accounted for within the accounting software package.
A user may, for example, request delivery of a purchase receipt (e.g., by selecting receipt delivery option 1412) via a format that may be compatible with the bank that issued the selected payment account. Accordingly, for example, a payment server may forward a receipt of the purchase transaction to the issuing bank and the issuing bank may format the receipt for delivery with the user's month-end account statement.
A user may, for example, enter comments about a purchase transaction that may be included within a receipt. For example, a user may enter comments 1404 that may remind the user to include the receipt within his or her tax records because the purchase may be deemed as tax deductible. Accordingly, for example, comments 1404 may accompany payment information communicated by a mobile device to a payment server. In so doing, for example, a payment server may add comments 1404 to a receipt generated by the payment server and may forward the receipt with the added comments to the user of the mobile device as dictated by the receipt delivery options requested by the user of the mobile device.
FIG. 15 shows GUI 1500 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 1500 may, for example, offer a check-out option to a user of a mobile device, such that the user may elect to apply a rewards card to a selected purchase in order for the rewards card to accrue points for the purchase. The mobile device may, for example, submit rewards card information and transaction information to respective issuers of the rewards account so that the respective issuers may credit the rewards account accordingly.
A user may, for example, select option 1502 (e.g., by tapping a rewards card against a display of a mobile device or by presenting a rewards card within proximity to the mobile device). In so doing, for example, a contactless communication channel (e.g., an RFID communication channel) may be established between the rewards card and the mobile device so that information associated with the rewards card may be communicated by the rewards card to the mobile device.
An alternate contactless communication channel may be established, for example, by pressing a rewards card against portion 1508. Accordingly, for example, a rewards card may communicate information associated with the rewards card to a processor of a mobile device by simulating a series of touches within portion 1508 (e.g., at icon 1510) and the processor of the mobile device may communicate information to the rewards card by generating a series of light pulses within portion 1508 (e.g., at location 1512). In so doing, for example, rewards information associated with the rewards card may be received by a mobile device and communicated to an issuer of the rewards card so that the rewards account may be updated with the purchase transaction information.
Other contactless communication channels may be established. For example, a processor of a rewards card may communicate rewards information to a mobile device by generating a series of light pulses (e.g., via an LED of the rewards card), which may be captured by a camera of the mobile device and construed by a processor of the mobile device as rewards information. As per another example, a payment card may communicate payment information using audible sounds that may be received by a microphone of a mobile device and construed by a processor of the mobile device as payment information.
A rewards account may, for example, be selected from a memory of the mobile device (e.g., by selecting radio button 1504). Associated rewards information may, for example, be selectively retrieved from a memory of the mobile device and communicated by the mobile device to an issuer of the rewards account so that the rewards account may be credited with the selected purchase.
A user of a mobile device may, for example, place an order for a rewards card by selecting radio button 1506. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may communicate payment information to a payment server to complete a purchase transaction and may also communicate a request that a rewards account be created. A payment server may, for example, forward the rewards account creation request to an issuer of a rewards account along with details of the purchase transaction, so that the issuer may first create the rewards account and may then credit the account according to the purchase transaction. Accordingly, for example, an electronic version of a newly created rewards card (e.g., a graphical representation of a newly created rewards card) may, for example, be communicated to a mobile device which may, for example, include a barcode representation of the rewards account information. In addition, rewards card information may, for example, be added to a memory of a mobile device for future access.
FIG. 16 shows GUI 1600 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 1600 may, for example, challenge a user of a mobile device to enter an access code that may be required to authenticate a purchase transaction. GUI 1600 may, for example, include virtual keyboard 1604 to allow a user of a mobile device to enter such an access code. Alternately, for example, a manual input interface of a mobile device (e.g., a keyboard or a keypad) may be used to enter such an access code.
As a user of a mobile device enters each character of an access code, portion 1602 may reflect such entry. Such entries may, for example, be reflected within portion 1602 as protected characters (e.g., the actual value of each character may be blocked out) to protect the security and safety of the entered access code. Once an entered access code is verified and authenticated by a mobile device, the mobile device may complete the requested purchase transaction.
FIG. 17 shows GUI 1700 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 1700 may, for example, include portion 1702 that may display a graphical representation of a proof-of-purchase (e.g., a barcode). Such a proof-of-purchase may be communicated to a mobile device via a network entity (e.g., a payment server) upon completion of a purchase transaction by the mobile device.
Accordingly, for example, portion 1702 may graphically display a proof-of-purchase that may be recognized by a reader (e.g., a barcode reader). In so doing, for example, a system that may include a barcode reader may verify the validity of a proof-of-purchase barcode, which may then allow a user of a mobile device displaying such a barcode to enjoy the goods and/or services purchased by the user via the mobile device as acknowledged by the verified barcode. As per one example, such a verified barcode may allow entry onto an airplane having a seat assignment that is encoded within the barcode. As per another example, a user may have made an on-line purchase of an appliance using his or her mobile device and may have requested pick-up of the purchased appliance at an appliance inventory warehouse. Upon arrival at the appliance inventory warehouse, a user may retrieve an electronic proof-of-purchase (e.g., a barcode) from a memory of the mobile device that was received by the user's mobile device upon completion of the appliance purchase transaction. A reader (e.g., a barcode reader) at the appliance inventory warehouse may read the user's barcode directly from a display of the user's mobile device, verify that a purchase was completed by the user's mobile device, and may authorize the appliance for pickup by the user.
FIG. 18 shows GUI 1800 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 1800 may, for example, enable a funds transfer to one or more financial accounts. GUI 1800 may, for example, enable a transfer of funds (e.g., by selecting radio button 1802) directly from one or more financial accounts into one or more financial accounts. GUI 1800 may, for example, generate a communication channel with a recipient of a funds transfer (e.g., by selecting radio button 1804) and may allow the recipient to interactively determine the financial account that is to receive the transferred funds.
FIG. 19 shows GUI 1900 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 1900 may, for example, enable a funds transfer to one or more accounts. GUI 1900 may, for example, allow a user of a mobile device to select an object (e.g., by selecting an entry within menu list 1902) that may be associated with the funds transfer. GUI 1900 may, for example, allow a user to select an account (e.g., by selecting an entry within menu list 1904) that may be associated with the object selected within menu list 1902.
Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may include a memory within which a user may enter one or more potential recipients of a funds transfer. A processor of a mobile device may, for example, list each potential recipient of a funds transfer within menu list 1902. A user of a mobile device may, for example, select a recipient of a funds transfer by activating (e.g., touching) an entry within menu list 1902 that corresponds to the selected recipient. As per an example, a user's funds transfer recipient list, as may be reflected by menu list 1902, may include persons, financial accounts, inanimate objects, or any other type of object.
Once a selected funds transfer recipient is selected within menu list 1902, menu list 1904 may be populated. Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may include a memory within which a user may enter one or more accounts that may be associated with one or more potential recipients of a funds transfer. A processor of a mobile device may, for example, list each account in menu list 1904 that may be associated with the selected recipient of menu list 1902. A user of a mobile device may, for example, select an account for a funds transfer by activating (e.g., touching) an entry within menu list 1904 that corresponds to the selected account. As per an example, a user's funds transfer account list, as may be reflected by menu list 1904, may include any account that may be associated with the selected recipient of menu list 1902.
FIG. 20 shows GUI 2000 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 2000 may, for example, enable a funds transfer from a source account (e.g., an account associated with a payment card that is tapped against a display of a mobile device) to a target account (e.g., a car loan account). Portion 2002 may, for example, list account details that may be associated with a target account (e.g., an account number associated with a car loan, the payoff amount, and the amount due). Portion 2002 may, for example, include details that may be associated with a target account that a mobile device has collected from a network entity (e.g., a bank) via a network connection between the mobile device and the network entity.
Portion 2004 (e.g., an alphanumeric entry box) may, for example, allow a user of a mobile device to enter an amount to be transferred (e.g., an amount that is equal to the minimum amount due on an installment payment agreement). GUI 2000 may, for example, request an identification of a source account from which the amount will be transferred. As per an example, a user of a mobile device may tap a payment card against a display of the mobile device to establish a contactless communication channel between the payment card and the mobile device within which payment information may be communicated from the payment card to the mobile device. As per another example, a payment card may communicate payment information to a mobile device via a series of touch simulations (e.g., changes in capacitance generated by a payment card that may be detected by a touch-sensitive display of a mobile device). A series of light pulses, or audible information, for example, may be communicated by the payment card to the mobile device in order to communicate payment information.
GUI 2000 may, for example, display a summary of payment information that may have been received by a mobile device from a payment card via a contactless communication channel. For example, portion 2006 may be displayed by GUI 2000 to allow a user of a mobile device to confirm the identity of a payment account from which an amount of money will be transferred. Once confirmed, the mobile device may communicate with network entities (e.g., an issuer of the source account and a bank associated with the target account) to complete the money transfer.
FIG. 21 shows GUI 2100 that may be generated by a processor of a mobile device and provided onto a display of the mobile device. GUI 2100 may, for example, enable a funds transfer to an account associated with a person. A recipient may, for example, interactively select an account into which the funds will be transferred. Accordingly, for example, contact list 2102 may be displayed by GUI 2100 as a list of potential recipients of a money transfer. Contact method list 2104 may, for example, by displayed by GUI 2100 as a list of methods that may be used to contact the recipient as selected within contact list 2102. In so doing, for example, a person within contact list 2102 (e.g., Trace) may be selected by a user of a mobile device to be the recipient of a funds transfer and the recipient may be contacted, for example, in accordance with a method selected in contact method list 2104 (e.g., transfer alert).
FIG. 22 shows system 2200, which may include mobile device 2202, receiving device 2204, and network 2210. Mobile device 2202 may be a device used to coordinate a money transfer and receiving device 2204 may be a device used to coordinate receipt of a money transfer. Receiving device may, for example, be a mobile device. Receiving device, for example, may not be a mobile device (e.g., a desktop computer). Devices 2202-2204 may communicate via network 2210, which may include any combination of cellular network resources, wireless network resources, and/or wired network resources.
Mobile device 2202 may, for example, include a processor that may render money transfer GUI 2206 onto a display of mobile device 2202. GUI 2206 may, for example, pause while a user of mobile device 2202 selects a payment account from which a money transfer may be withdrawn. Accordingly, for example, mobile device 2202 may wait until a payment card is brought within a proximity to, or a touch relationship with, mobile device 2202 (e.g., a payment card may be tapped onto a display of mobile device 2202). Alternately, for example, a payment card may communicate with mobile device 2202 using any number of contactless methods (e.g., using light, sound, capacitive, magnetic or electromagnetic communication). In so doing, for example, mobile device 2202 may establish a contactless communication channel with a payment card in which payment information is communicated from the payment card to mobile device 2202 and is summarized onto GUI 2206 for review by a user of mobile device 2202. A user of mobile device 2202 may enter an amount of money for transfer, may verify a money amount for transfer, and may enter a message to be communicated to receiving device 2204.
Mobile device 2202 may communicate payment information received from a payment card along with information received from a user of mobile device 2202 to a network entity (e.g., an issuer) where, for example, authorization of the transfer amount from the account selected is performed. Once authorized, mobile device 2202 may communicate a transfer alert along with a transfer alert message to receiving device 2204. Receiving device 2204 may, for example, present a transfer alert along with the associated transfer alert message onto GUI 2208. A user of receiving device 2204 may respond to the transfer alert message received from mobile device 2202 by sending an acknowledgment message to mobile device 2202 via network 2210.
A user of receiving device 2204 may, for example, be asked to enter account information that is to be used as the receiving account for the money transfer. Accordingly, for example, a user of receiving device 2204 may provide such account information any number of ways. For example, a payment card associated with a receiving account may be brought within a proximity, or a touching, relationship to receiving device 2204. In so doing, for example, a contactless communication channel (e.g., an RFID channel) may be formed to communicate such information. Alternately, a payment card may communicate with receiving device 2204 using any number of contactless methods (e.g., using light, sound, capacitive, magnetic or electromagnetic communication). A user of receiving device 2204 may verify the receive account information as it may be displayed onto GUI 2208.
Receiving device 2204 may, for example, communicate information associated with a receiving account to mobile device 2202 via network 2210. Accordingly, for example, mobile device 2202 may coordinate the money transfer via network 2210 with network entities (e.g., an issuer of the account used to provide money to transfer and an issuer of the account used to receive money for transfer). Once the money transfer is completed, an acknowledgment message may be displayed onto GUI 2206 by a processor of mobile device 2202 and an acknowledgment message may be communicated by mobile device 2202 to receiving device 2204 and then displayed onto GUI 2208 by a processor of receiving device 2204.
FIG. 23 shows system 2300, which may include a mobile device 2302, a powered or non-powered payment card 2304, a remote application 2308 and network 2306. Mobile device 2302 may, for example, access remote application 2308 via network 2306 in order to complete a purchase transaction. Accordingly, for example, payment card 2304 may communicate payment information to mobile device 2302 via contactless communication channel 2312 and mobile device 2302 may communicate the payment information to remote application 2308 via communication channel 2310 to complete the purchase transaction.
Contactless communication channel 2312 may be any type of contactless communication channel, such as for example, an RF, capacitive, audible, visible, electromagnetic, or magnetic communication channel. Contactless communication channel 2312 may be a two-way communication channel, where mobile device 2302 may communicate with payment card 2304 in order to, for example, enhance data communication between mobile device 2302 and payment card 2304.
As per one example, payment card 2304 may communicate payment information (e.g., one, two, and/or three tracks of magnetic stripe data) to mobile device 2302 after payment card 2304 is tapped against mobile device 2302. Remote application 2308 may, for example, be an on-line payment application that does not require a fully populated magnetic stripe message to complete a purchase transaction, but may only require a subset of a fully populated magnetic stripe message (e.g., account number and expiration date). Accordingly, for example, mobile device 2302 may filter payment information received from payment card 2304 to only include the subset of information that may be required by remote application 2308 and may communicate only the filtered payment information to remote application 2308 to complete the purchase transaction.
In general, for example, mobile device 2302 may filter payment information received from payment card 2304 into a filtered subset of payment data that may be required by remote application 2308 to complete a purchase transaction. In so doing, for example, mobile device 2302 may customize a payment message to remote application 2308 that includes only the filtered subset of data that is needed by remote application 2308 to complete the purchase transaction.
As per another example, mobile device 2302 may query payment card 2304 via contactless communication channel 2312 for only a subset of payment information that may be required by remote application 2308 to complete a purchase transaction. Accordingly, for example, a processor of payment card 2304 may receive the request and may only supply the requested payment information via contactless communication channel 2312 instead of communicating a complete magnetic stripe message.
FIG. 24 shows system 2400, which may include a mobile device 2402, a payment card 2404, a rewards card 2416, and items to be purchased 2410-2414. Mobile device 2402 may, for example, include a scanning device (e.g., a camera) that may be used to capture images (e.g., barcode images). Accordingly, for example, a user of mobile device 2402 may activate an application within mobile device 2402 that generates GUI 2408 and that activates a camera to capture barcode images. A processor of mobile device 2402 may, for example, analyze captured barcode images to extract information from the barcode images and construe the extracted information as data input. Accordingly, for example, a camera of mobile device 2402 may be used to scan barcodes of items that the user wishes to purchase and a processor of mobile device 2402 may analyze the scanned information to keep a running total of items selected for purchase. In so doing, for example, a user of mobile device 2402 may wander through a shopping market while scanning barcode labels of items for purchase (e.g., items 2410-2414).
Mobile device 2402 may access a network (e.g., a local Wi-Fi hotspot) within a shopping market to determine those items that may be offered at a discount to rewards members of the shopping market. Accordingly, for example, a user may scan barcode image 2418 of rewards card 2416 to obtain an instant credit for discounted items for purchase. As per another example, rewards card 2416 may establish a contactless communication channel with mobile device 2402 so that rewards card 2416 may communicate rewards account information to mobile device 2402 via any one of a number of contactless communication mediums (e.g., RF, capacitive, audible, visible, electromagnetic, or magnetic communication mediums).
Once a user of mobile device 2402 finishes shopping, the user may present payment card 2404 to mobile device 2402 for payment. Accordingly, for example, contactless communication channel 2406 (e.g., an RF, capacitive, audible, visible, electromagnetic, or magnetic communication channel) may be created and payment information may be communicated from payment card 2404 to mobile device 2402 so that mobile device 2402 may complete the purchase transaction with a network entity (e.g., an issuer of payment card 2404).
FIG. 25 shows system 2500, which may include mobile device 2502 and payment card 2504. Mobile device 2502 may interact with a merchant establishment (e.g., a restaurant) to gain entry into a user's tab at the merchant's establishment (e.g., a food and alcohol bill generated by the restaurant). Accordingly, for example, a user may monitor each item on the bill, enter an additional amount into the bill (e.g., a tip), and then pay the bill all from the convenience of the user's mobile device 2502.
Interaction with a merchant establishment may be accomplished any number of ways. For example, mobile device 2502 may access a local Wi-Fi hotspot and may communicate information (e.g., an email address or text messaging address) to the merchant that identifies a user of mobile device 2502. Accordingly, for example, a merchant may send a message (e.g., an email or text message) to the user-supplied address that may contain a link to the user's bill. A user may, for example, click on the link, enter a pass code to gain entry to the user's bill, and then monitor the bill being generated onto a display of mobile device 2502 via GUI 2508.
As per another example, mobile device 2502 may place a phone call to a merchant's phone number to establish a communication channel (e.g., a data call) between the merchant server and mobile device 2502. The merchant server may, for example, render GUI 2508 onto a display of mobile device 2502 so that a user of mobile device 2502 may directly interact with the merchant server.
GUI 2508 may be rendered onto a display of mobile device 2502 to allow a user to remotely interact with his or her bill. For example, a user's meal tab at a restaurant may be itemized by GUI 2508 and an alphanumeric entry box (e.g., box 2510) may allow the user to enter additional data (e.g., add a tip to the bill). A user may, for example, review a total to be charged, verify such a total, and then present payment card 2504 to mobile device 2502 to settle the total amount. In so doing, for example, contactless communication channel 2506 may receive payment information from payment card 2504 via any number of contactless communication mediums (e.g., RF, capacitive, audible, visible, electromagnetic, or magnetic communication mediums) and may communicate such payment information to a network entity (e.g., an issuer of payment card 2504) to complete a purchase transaction for the total amount of the user's bill.
FIG. 26 shows flow charts for process sequences 2610-2650. Process sequence 2610 may, for example, execute a payment application on a mobile device (e.g., as in step 2611) to request a user of the mobile device to present a payment card to the mobile device. In step 2612, a user may present a payment card (e.g., tap a payment card onto a display of a mobile device) to begin a payment transaction. In step 2613, a contactless communication channel (e.g., an RF, capacitive, audible, visible, electromagnetic, or magnetic communication channel) may be generated between a payment card and a mobile device to communicate payment information from the payment card to the mobile device. In step 2614, a purchase may be completed by a mobile device by communicating received payment information to network entities to settle a payment transaction.
Process sequence 2620 may, for example, autonomously detect that a payment card is in a touching or a proximity relationship to a mobile device (e.g., as in step 2621). In step 2622, a contactless communication channel (e.g., an RF, capacitive, audible, visible, electromagnetic, or magnetic communication channel) may be generated between a payment card and a mobile device to communicate payment information from the payment card to the mobile device. In step 2623, a purchase may be completed by a mobile device by communicating received payment information to network entities to settle a payment transaction.
Step 2631 of sequence 2630 may include presenting a card to a mobile device. A card may, for example, be a powered card or a non-powered card. In steps 2632 and 2633, a contactless communication channel may be established between a card and a mobile device and information may be exchanged between the card and the mobile device.
A card may, for example, include a near-field communication device (e.g., an RFID) that may communicate with a contactless communication device of a mobile device to form a two-way communication channel between the card and the mobile device. A card may, for example, include circuitry to simulate touch (e.g., a capacitance change) in order to form a contactless communication channel with a mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a card may be pressed against a touch-sensitive display of a mobile device and information may be communicated by the card to the mobile device through a series of card-simulated touches that may be detected by the touch-sensitive display of the mobile device.
A card may, for example, include a light sensor to form a contactless communication channel with a mobile device. Accordingly, for example, a card may be pressed against a display of a mobile device and information may be communicated from the mobile device to the card through a series of light pulses generated by the display of the mobile device. A frequency, pulse width, and/or a pulse intensity of light pulses may, for example, be detected by a processor of a card as data communicated by a mobile device.
A card may, for example, include a light source (e.g., an LED) to form a contactless communication channel. Accordingly, for example, a card may emit varying light pulses from an LED that may be detected by a motion-capture device (e.g., a camera) of a mobile device as data communicated by the card. A card may, for example, include sound emission capabilities that may be detected by a microphone of a mobile device as data communicated by the card through a contactless communication channel. A mobile device may, for example, include sound emission capabilities that may be detected by a microphone of a card as data communicated by the mobile device through a contactless communication channel.
Step 2641 of sequence 2640 may include selecting items for purchase using a mobile device. A mobile device may, for example, include a scanning device (e.g., a camera) that may be used by a mobile device to capture images of barcodes that may be associated with items for purchase (e.g., grocery items in a grocery store). Accordingly, for example, a mobile device may collect images of barcodes and a processor of the mobile device may analyze the images to retrieve information (e.g., item description and cost) of each item scanned. Each item's description, cost and other information may, for example, be displayed on a GUI that may be generated by a processor and presented to a display of the mobile device as in step 2642. A payment card may, for example, be presented to the mobile device (e.g., as in step 2643) and payment information may be exchanged between the payment card and the mobile device (e.g., as in step 2644) via a contactless communication channel (e.g., an RF, capacitive, audible, visible, electromagnetic, or magnetic communication channel). In step 2645, a mobile device may communicate received payment information to network entities (e.g., a payment server and/or an issuer) to complete the transaction.
In step 2651 of sequence 2650, for example, a mobile device may remotely access an electronic bill. For example, a merchant (e.g., a restaurant) may provide access to a bill (e.g., a restaurant tab for food and beverages) to a patron of the merchant via that patron's mobile device. As per one example, a merchant may provide a link to a bill via a message (e.g., an email message or a text message) that may be sent by the merchant to the patron's mobile device or that may be sent by the patron's mobile device to the merchant. The patron may click on the link and may be taken to a website that may provide access to the patron's tab via a browser that may be executing on the patron's mobile device. As per another example, a data call between a patron's mobile device and a merchant may execute an application (e.g., locally on the patron's mobile device and/or remotely on a merchant's server) to allow a patron to review his or her bill.
Each item on the patron's bill may, for example, include a description, cost and other information and may be displayed on a GUI that may be generated by a processor and presented to a display of the mobile device as in step 2652. A payment card may, for example, be presented to the mobile device (e.g., as in step 2653) and payment information may be exchanged between the payment card and the mobile device (e.g., as in step 2654) via a contactless communication channel (e.g., an RF, capacitive, audible, visible, electromagnetic, or magnetic communication channel). In step 2655, a mobile device may communicate received payment information to network entities (e.g., a payment server and/or an issuer) to complete the transaction.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to only the embodiments described. Instead, the present invention more generally involves mobile information and the exchange thereof. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the apparatus of the present invention may be implemented in other ways than those described herein. All such modifications are within the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

accessing a network using a mobile device;

selecting an object for purchase from said network using said mobile device;

communicating payment information from a payment card to said mobile device using a contactless communication channel; and

communicating said payment information from said mobile device to said network to complete a purchase transaction for said object.

2. A method, comprising:

communicating source account information to a first mobile device using a first contactless communication channel;

communicating target account information to a second mobile device using a second contactless communication channel;

communicating said target account information from said second mobile device to said first mobile device; and

coordinating a money transfer from said source account into said target account using said first mobile device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said mobile device is a laptop computer.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said mobile device is a PDA.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said mobile device is a phone.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said contactless communication channel is an RFID communication channel.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said mobile device and said payment card are brought within a proximity distance of up to two inches to establish said contactless communication channel.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said payment card is a powered card.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said payment card is a non-powered card.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said payment card simulates a series of touches to a display of said mobile device to establish at least a portion of said contactless communication channel.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said mobile device communicates an optical data stream to said payment card to establish at least a portion of said contactless communication channel.

12. The method of claim 2, wherein a powered card communicates said target account information.

13. The method of claim 2, wherein a non-powered card communicates said target account information.

14. The method of claim 2, wherein a powered card communicates said source account information.

15. The method of claim 2, wherein a non-powered card communicates said source account information.

16. The method of claim 2, wherein said first mobile device is a laptop computer.

17. The method of claim 2, wherein said first mobile device is a PDA.

18. The method of claim 2, wherein said first mobile device is a phone.

19. The method of claim 2, wherein said second mobile device is a laptop computer.

20. The method of claim 2, wherein said second mobile device is a PDA.

21. The method of claim 2, wherein said second mobile device is a phone.