Patent•
System and method for bill delivery and payment over a communications network
31 Oct 1996-
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a bill delivery and payment system in which users (100) are able to access a server computer (160) on a communications network (110) to obtain bill information and pay bills.
Abstract: In a bill delivery and payment system, users (100) are able to access a server computer (160) on a communications network (110) to obtain bill information and pay bills. For example, such a communications network (110) may be the Internet or the World Wide Web thereof. Using a personal computer (100), a user can access a Web site provided by the server computer (160) to view the bill information and instruct the server computer (160) as to the details of the bill payment. In a second embodiment, without visiting the web site, users are provided with electronic bills containing bill information in the form of electronic mail (e-mail) at their e-mail addresses. After opening an electronic bill, a user can make the bill payment by replying to the electronic bill.
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Patent•
06 Jun 1996
TL;DR: In this article, an electronic program schedule system with access to both stored television program schedule information and data feeds containing status information for live programs such as sporting events is presented, where a video display generator is used to generate a display signal simultaneously comprising information from both the stored schedule and the received data feed.
Abstract: An electronic program schedule system with access to both stored television program schedule information and data feeds containing status information for live programs such as sporting events. The system includes a data processor for receiving program schedule information for a plurality of programs and data feeds containing status information for certain of the programs, and a video display generator for generating a display signal simultaneously comprising information from both the stored schedule information and the received data feed. The system is further provided with user control means such as a remote controller for generating user control commands and transmitting signals to the data processor in response thereto so as to control the content of the display signal. The display signal may be displayed on a display apparatus such as a television receiver. In addition, the program schedule system of the present invention utilizes category-specific user interfaces providing access to multiple services including television programs, received data feeds, home shopping services, and video games as well as the stored program schedule information.
1,116 citations
Patent•
20 Aug 2007
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a system and methods for providing television schedule information to a viewer, and for allowing the viewer to link, search, select and interact with information in a remote database, e.g., a database on the internet.
Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing television schedule information to a viewer, and for allowing the viewer to link, search, select and interact with information in a remote database, e.g., a database on the internet. The television schedule information can be displayed on a variety of viewer interfaces, such as televisions screens, computer monitors, PCTV screens and the like. The television schedule information may be stored on the viewer's computer, television, PCTV, or a remote server (e.g., a website), or the television schedule information may be downloaded from a remote database to the viewer's computer, television or PCTV.
1,049 citations
Patent•
20 Aug 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, an interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment, which provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server and parentally lock programs based on the expressions.
Abstract: A client-server interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide client is implemented on user television equipment. The interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to define expressions that are processed by the program guide server. The program guide server may provide program guide data, schedules reminders, schedules program recordings, and parentally locks programs based on the expressions. Users' viewing histories may be tracked. The program guide server may analyze the viewing histories and generates viewing recommendations, targets advertising, and collects program ratings information based on the viewing histories.
846 citations
Patent•
10 Apr 2012TL;DR: The Payment Portal Processor (PPP) as mentioned in this paper is a software application that provides a secure portal for accessing (linking to) either the user's Demand Deposit Account (DDA) or an Internet Pay Anyone (IPA) account and can be combined with the functionality of a traditional digital wallet.
Abstract: A system and method for effectuating Electronic Funds Transfer credit messages. The main structural components of the system include a Payment Portal Processor (PPP), an Internet Pay Anyone (IPA) Account, a Virtual Private Lockbox (VPL) and an associated Account Reporter, the existing EFT networks, and a cash card for accessing a VPL or IP account. The PPP is a software application that provides a secure portal for accessing (linking to) either the user's Demand Deposit Account (DDA) or an IPA account and can be combined with the functionality of a traditional digital Wallet. Consumers use a PPP enhanced Wallet to fund their account, shop on the web, pay bills, pay anyone, store electronic receipts and transaction history, and check their recent PPP enhanced Wallet activity. The IPA account is a special purpose account with limited functionality for making electronic payments in the form of EFT credit messages. The VPL is a limited function receive only account for receiving electronic payments through the EFT. The Account Reporter is a portal to view transaction history and balance of IPA and VPL accounts, provide online, real-time transaction reports, and to reconcile accounts receivable/purchase records against incoming EFT payment records. A physical card can be associated with either an IPA or VPL account in order to provide PIN debit capability.
827 citations
Patent•
12 Jun 1997
TL;DR: In this article, a transaction security apparatus consisting of a transaction device, a communication device associated with an individual account, and a communication node associated with the transaction device is described. And the first signal is transmitted over a communication network directly to the communication node.
Abstract: A transaction security apparatus which comprises a transaction device, wherein the transaction device one of generates and transmits a first signal in response to a transaction, and a communication device associated with an individual account. The communication device receives the first signal. The communication device generates a second signal which provides a notification to the individual account holder of the transaction. The transaction device transmits the first signal to the communication device. The first signal is transmitted over a communication network directly to the communication device.
808 citations
References
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Patent•
29 Sep 1987
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a system for interactive on-line electronic communications and processing of business transactions between a plurality of different types of independent users including at least a plurality sellers, and a plurality buyers, as well as financial institutions, and freight service providers.
Abstract: A system for interactive on-line electronic communications and processing of business transactions between a plurality of different types of independent users including at least a plurality of sellers, and a plurality of buyers, as well as financial institutions, and freight service providers. Each user can communicate with the system from remote terminals adapted to access communication links and the system may include remote terminals adapted for storage of a remote data base. The system includes a data base which contains user information. The data base is accessed via a validation procedure to permit business transactions in an interactive on-line mode between users during interactive business transaction sessions wherein one party to the transaction is specifically selected by the other party. The system permits concurrent interactive business transaction sessions between different users.
1,733 citations
Patent•
10 Dec 1990
TL;DR: In this paper, a practical system and method for the remote distribution of financial services (e.g., home banking and bill-paying) involves distributing portable terminals to a user base.
Abstract: A practical system and method for the remote distribution of financial services (e.g., home banking and bill-paying) involves distributing portable terminals to a user base. The terminals include a multi-line display, keys “pointing to” lines on the display, and additional keys. Contact is established between the terminals and a central computer operated by a service provider, preferably over a dial-up telephone line and a packet data network. Information exchange between the central computer and the terminal solicits information from the terminal user related to requested financial services (e.g., for billpaying, the user provides payee selection and amount and his bank account PIN number). The central computer then transmits a message over a conventional ATM network debiting the user's bank account in real time, and may pay the specified payees the specified amount electronically or in other ways as appropriate. Payments and transfers may be scheduled in advance or on a periodic basis. Because the central computer interacts with the user's bank as a standard POS or ATM network node, no significant software changes are required at the banks' computers. The terminal interface is extremely user-friendly and incorporates some features of standard ATM user interfaces so as to reduce new user anxiety.
1,711 citations
Patent•
18 Oct 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a bill pay system where participating consumers (12) pay bills (30) to participating billers (14) through a payment network (102) operating according to preset rules (104).
Abstract: A bill pay system (figure 4) wherein participating consumers (12) pay bills (30) to participating billers (14) through a payment network (102) operating according to preset rules (104). The participating consumers (12) receive bills (3) from participating billers (14) (paper/mail bills, e-mail notices, implied bills for automatic debts) which indicate an amount, and a unique biller identification number (120). To authorize a remittance, a consumer (12) transmits (2) to its participating bank (16) a bill pay order (122) indicating a payment date, a payment amount, the consumer's account number with the biller (14), a source of funds (232) and the biller's (14) biller identification number, either directly or by reference to static data containing those data elements. Bank C (16) then submits a payment message (124) to a payment network (102), and the payment network (102), which assigns the biller reference numbers, forwards (268) the payment message to the biller's bank (18). For settlement, the consumer's bank (16) debits the consumer's (12) account and is obligated to a net position with the payment network (102); likewise, the biller's bank (18) receives a net position from the payment network (102) and credits the biller's bank account (268). If the consumer's bank (16) agrees to send non-reversible payment messages (124), the consumer's bank (16) does not submit the transaction until funds are good unless the consumer's bank (16) is willing to take the risk of loss if funds are not good, in the case of a guaranteed payment network (102).
1,420 citations
Patent•
25 Jul 1991
TL;DR: In this paper, a computerized payment system by which a consumer may instruct a service provider by telephone, computer terminal, or other telecommunications means to pay various bills without the consumer having to write a check for each bill.
Abstract: A computerized payment system by which a consumer may instruct a service provider by telephone, computer terminal, or other telecommunications; means to pay various bills without the consumer having to write a check for each bill. The system operates without restriction as to where the consumer banks and what bills are to be paid. The service provider collects consumers' information, financial institutions' information and merchant information and arranges payment to the merchants according to the consumers' instructions based on a financial risk analysis.
850 citations
Patent•
28 Mar 1995TL;DR: In this paper, a system for open electronic commerce with a customer trusted agent communicating with a first money module and a merchant trusted agent securely communicating with another money module is presented. But the system is limited to the case where the money modules inform their trusted agents of successful completion of payment, and the customer may use the purchased electronic merchandise.
Abstract: A system for open electronic commerce having a customer trusted agent securely communicating with a first money module, and a merchant trusted agent securely communicating with a second money module. Both trusted agents are capable of establishing a first cryptographically secure session, and both money modules are capable of establishing a second cryptographically secure session. The merchant trusted agent transfers electronic merchandise to the customer trusted agent, and the first money module transfers electronic money to the second money module. The money modules inform their trusted agents of the successful completion of payment, and the customer may use the purchased electronic merchandise.
777 citations