HK1237960A1 - System and method for beacon based navigation to offer based transactions and beacon based digital transactions with multiple layer authentication - Google Patents

Description

System and method for beacon-based navigation of quote-based transactions and beacon-based digital transactions using multi-tier authentication

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a PCT application of provisional applications serial nos. 62/099,008 and 62/099,023, both filed on 31/12/2014. In addition, this application is related to U.S. non-provisional application filed on 30/12/2015 (serial number not yet specified), claiming priority to the above-mentioned provisional application. The disclosures of these referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background

Security of digital transactions is increasingly important as digital transactions have become ubiquitous. Physical payment devices, such as credit cards, provide a layer of security by requiring the presence of a card to complete a transaction, but require additional hardware, such as a settlement device that may additionally require assistance from a staff member provided by a merchant. Point-of-sale transactions by merchants are further limited by additional staff requirements and physical limitations of checkout lane arrangements within stores. Conventional card presence transactions are further limited in providing biometric authentication means. The digital transactions associated with the customer account represented by the credit card do not incorporate physical presence requirements. Conventional means of completing card presence and digital transactions further fail to create a seamless consumer experience, i.e., integrating the shopping experience, advertising, offers, and purchases in a single system that the consumer can access and/or manage on his own portable computer system, as well as multi-layer authentication.

In addition, when consumers enter the store, they may use store catalogs that are all physically posted at various locations within the store. However, static store catalogs may require the consumer to locate the catalog itself, and may only provide limited assistance based on visibility limitations. Other drawbacks of conventional mapping systems are based on the use of cellular networks. The structure of the building itself may disrupt or render unusable or unreliable continuous cellular or wireless service.

Thus, the consumer may be initially attracted to the store from consulting mailers, email advertisements, or other offers that provide incentives for the consumer to visit the store. Offers and email incentives provided to consumers by text, email, or printed mail provide consumers with little interaction with the shopping experience. Once in the store, it may be difficult for the consumer to remember whether the item is on sale based on advertisements and offers previously received via mail.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a system and method for interacting with an electronic beacon to perform a multi-layer authenticated transaction vetting procedure, the system comprising a processor for executing computer-executable instructions, a memory for storing the computer-executable instructions, and input-output circuitry for receiving signals from the electronic beacon. The computer-executable instructions may include instructions for: the method includes receiving a signal from an electronic beacon via an input-output circuit, analyzing, via a processor, a relative strength of the signal from the electronic beacon responsive to a signal strength determined by the processor exceeding a first threshold, identifying, via the processor, the portable computer system as being within a remote range of the beacon, and displaying, via the beacon, a welcome message to be displayed on a display screen of the portable computer system. The method may further comprise: in response to the signal strength determined by the processor exceeding a second threshold, identifying, via the processor, that the portable computer system has moved within the near zone of the beacon and displaying an offer to be displayed on a display screen of the portable computer system. In response to the signal strength determined by the processor exceeding a third threshold, the method may include identifying that the portable computer system has moved within the immediate area of the beacon. The method may also include displaying an option to complete the digital transaction based on the proximity of the portable computer system to the purchase item, and enabling the portable computer system to complete the digital transaction based on the proximity of the portable computer system to the purchase item. The method may further include: receiving, via the portable computer system, a first user authentication input; communicating a first user authentication input to an authentication system via an input-output circuit; and receiving a verification signal in response to the verification system permitting the first user to verify the input.

According to another embodiment, aspects of the invention include a system and method of interacting with an electronic beacon to perform a transaction flow, the system including a processor for executing computer-executable instructions, a memory for storing the computer-executable instructions, an input-output circuit for receiving signals from the electronic beacon and advertising the portable computing device. The computer-executable instructions include instructions for: the method includes identifying a location of the portable computing device within boundaries of the electronic beacons, determining, using the processor, signal strengths of the various electronic beacons, and displaying, via the input-output circuitry, one or more offers related to the location of the portable computing device to the plurality of beacons. The system and method further disclose updating the direction based on the most recent electronic beacon when the most recent electronic beacon changes; and in response to the most recent electronic beacon of the selected destination being the most recent electronic beacon of the portable computing system, displaying on the portable computing system an opportunity to purchase the item via the portable computing system.

In one embodiment, a system for configuring a multi-tier authentication system to complete a transaction includes a beacon transmitting device for transmitting beacons at time intervals. The beacon may include content having a message that varies according to the signal strength of the beacon. The signal strength may indicate an area in a defined space covered by the beacon. The portable computer device includes input/output circuitry for sensing the beacon to identify its signal strength, a device processor, and an interface. The device processor may determine that the signal strength in the sensed beacon exceeds a second threshold. In response to the determination being positive, the device processor may provide, via the interface, a first change message in the sensed beacon corresponding to the second threshold. The system further comprises: in response to providing the first change message, the portable computer device, after being repositioned to sense the beacon, may determine that the signal strength exceeds a third threshold. In response to the determination being positive, the device processor may provide a second change message corresponding to a third threshold via the interface. The beacon transmitting device may receive a receipt from the portable computer device for receiving the second change message. The system further includes a transaction approval server configured to communicate with the beacon emitting device, and an authentication system may be established to process the digital transaction in response to receiving the receipt. The transaction approval server may identify the receipt as the first layer of the verification system. The portable computer device may receive an instruction from a user via the interface to complete one of the digital transactions of the item. The transaction approval server, in response to receiving the instruction, may identify the instruction as a second tier of the verification system. In response to the identified instruction, the transaction approval server may approve the second layer of the verification system. The transaction approval server may transmit a receipt confirmation statement for one of the digital transactions of the item to the portable computer device.

According to another embodiment, a computerized method for configuring a multi-tier authentication system to complete a transaction, the computerized method comprising:

establishing, by a beacon server configured to communicate with a beacon transmitting device, an authentication system for processing a digital transaction;

receiving a receipt from a beacon transmitting device in response to a first user instruction provided on the portable computer device in response to a message provided in accordance with a change in signal strength of the beacon from the beacon transmitting device, wherein the beacon transmitting device transmits a beacon at intervals, the beacon including content with the message having a change in accordance with the change in signal strength thereof, wherein the beacon server identifies the receipt as a first layer of the authentication system;

receiving, by the beacon server, a second user instruction from the portable computer device to complete one of the digital transactions of the item;

identifying, by the beacon server, a second user instruction as a second layer of the authentication system in response to receiving the instruction;

permitting, by the beacon server, the second layer of the authentication system; and

a confirmation receipt is transmitted from the beacon server to the portable computer device to complete one of the digital transactions of the item.

In another embodiment, the system is configured to complete a transaction with beacon-assisted navigation. The system includes a beacon transmitting device for transmitting beacons at time intervals. The portable computer device includes input/output circuitry for sensing the beacon to identify its signal strength,

A device processor and an interface. The device processor determines that the signal strength in the sensed beacon exceeds a second threshold. In response to the determination being positive, the device processor identifies a change message corresponding to a second threshold in the sensed beacon. The device processor also identifies recommended items of interest for the user from additional sources for consideration in the confined space. The system further includes a device processor analyzing the identified item of interest and the identified change message. In response to the analysis, the device processor provides a first change message via the interface, wherein the first change message includes an offer to purchase the item. The portable computer device further determines that the signal strength exceeds a third threshold after being repositioned to sense the beacon. The device processor provides a second change message corresponding to the third threshold via the interface. The system further includes a beacon or transaction approval server configured to communicate with the beacon transmitting device to receive a receipt from the beacon transmitting device. In response to providing the second altered message, the portable computer device receives an instruction from the user via the interface to complete one of the digital transactions of the item. The transaction approval server approves one of the digital transactions after receiving an instruction from the user. The transaction approval server is configured to communicate with the portable computer device to transmit acknowledgement data of one of the digital transactions of the item to the portable computer device.

According to another embodiment, a computerized method for configuring a multi-tier authentication system to complete a transaction, the computerized method comprising:

establishing, by a beacon server configured to communicate with a beacon transmitting device, an authentication system for processing a digital transaction;

receiving a receipt from a beacon transmitting device in response to a first user instruction provided on the portable computer device in response to a message provided in accordance with a change in signal strength of the beacon from the beacon transmitting device, wherein the beacon transmitting device transmits a beacon at intervals, the beacon including content with the message having a change in accordance with the change in signal strength thereof, wherein the beacon server identifies the receipt as a first layer of the authentication system;

receiving, by the beacon server, additional sources recommending items of interest for the user to consider in the defined space;

receiving, by the beacon server, an instruction from a second user of the portable computer device to complete one of the digital transactions of the item, the item being provided in response to the further source and varying in accordance with the message from the beacon transmitting device;

identifying, by the beacon server, a second user instruction as a second layer of the authentication system in response to receiving the instruction;

permitting, by the beacon server, the second layer of the authentication system; and

a confirmation receipt is transmitted from the beacon server to the portable computer device to complete one of the digital transactions of the item.

In another embodiment, the system is configured as a multi-tier authentication system for completing a transaction. The system includes a beacon transmitting device for transmitting beacons at time intervals. The beacon includes content having different messages that vary according to the signal strength of the beacon, as well as signal strength indicating the area in the defined space covered by the beacon. The portable computer device senses the beacon to identify its signal strength and determines that the signal strength in the sensed beacon exceeds a second threshold. In response to the determination being positive, the portable computer device identifies a change message corresponding to a second threshold in the sensed beacon. The portable computer device further identifies recommended items for the user from additional sources for consideration in the defined space. The portable computer device further compares the identified item of interest with the identified change message. In response to the comparison, the portable computer device provides a first change message. The first change message includes an offer to purchase the item. The system further determines that the signal strength exceeds a third threshold after the portable computer device is repositioned to sense the beacon in response to providing the first change message. In response to the determination being affirmative, the portable computer device provides a second change message corresponding to a third threshold, and the second change message is an invitation to complete one of the digital transactions of the item. The beacon transmitting device receives a receipt from the portable computer device for receiving the second change message. A transaction approval server configured to communicate with the beacon emitting device establishes an authentication system to process the digital transaction in response to receiving the receipt. The transaction approval server identifies the receipt as the first layer of the verification system. The portable computer device receives an instruction from the user to complete one of the digital transactions of the item, and the transaction approval server identifies the instruction as a second tier of the authentication system in response to receiving the instruction. The transaction approval server may approve the second layer of the verification system. The transaction approval server transmits acknowledgement data of the digital transaction of the item to the portable computer device.

According to another embodiment, a computerized method for configuring a multi-tier authentication system to complete a transaction, the computerized method comprising:

establishing, by a transaction approval server configured to communicate with a beacon transmitting device, an authentication system to process a digital transaction;

receiving a receipt from a beacon transmitting device in response to a first user instruction provided on the portable computer device in response to a message provided in accordance with a change in signal strength of the beacon from the beacon transmitting device, wherein the beacon transmitting device transmits a beacon at intervals, the beacon including content with the message having a change in accordance with the change in signal strength thereof, wherein the beacon server identifies the receipt as a first layer of the authentication system;

receiving, by the transaction approval server from the portable computer device, an additional source recommending the presence of the item of interest;

receiving, by the transaction approval server, from the portable computer device, one of a second user instruction to complete a digital transaction for an item, the item being provided in accordance with the message from the beacon transmitting device and the message of the recommended item of interest;

identifying, by the transaction approval server, the instruction as a second tier of the verification system in response to receiving the second user instruction;

permitting, by the transaction approval server, a second layer of the verification system; and

a confirmation receipt for one of the digital transactions of the item is transmitted from the transaction approval server to the portable computer device to complete the one of the digital transactions of the item.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method according to the present technique, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary system for making beacon-based digital payments on a smartphone device in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method according to the present technique, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a sample computing environment physically configured to perform an embodiment of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of another sample computing environment physically configured to perform an embodiment of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a portable computer device physically configured in accordance with an embodiment of the method.

Fig. 7 is a diagram of a server type computing device physically configured according to an embodiment of the method.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method according to the present technique, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary system for directing a consumer to a digital payment offer through sequential events, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10A is an illustration of an exemplary system for using primary and secondary pairs to direct a consumer to digital payment transactions and event registrations, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

10B-10H are illustrations of a sample graphical user interface of the present technology, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a diagram of an exemplary system capable of sending a registration notification, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Using wireless personal area network technology (such as beacon technology, e.g., bluetooth low energy) or short-range wireless communication protocols, the present technology provides threshold-based messages and offers, ultimately providing a way for consumers to conduct multi-layer authenticated transactions with consumers holding cards with portable computing devices (such as smart phones or tablets). Messages and offers may include proximity notifications, letting the consumer know that he is within far, near, and intermediate ranges ultimately associated with a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) (an identifier used to distinguish store chains, brands, or applications), a primary-secondary pair (each specifying a group of beacons and specifying a single beacon), and a distance value (signal strength) to a beacon in the store or location. The offer or reward may be provided with the navigation notification. The multi-layer authentication transaction includes using the proximity of the consumer's portable computer device to the desired purchase item at the point of sale as determined by the proximity to the beacon. Additional authentication layers are provided by user inputs such as gestures, user inputs, fingerprints, voice inputs, photographic inputs, video inputs, or other sensor-based inputs gathered from peripheral devices of the consumer's portable computer device.

Additional embodiments may include a fraud analysis system that includes sending information to the fraud analysis system, the information including proximity information (such as the last received signal strength of the most recent beacon) and the UUID of the beacon to the fraud analysis system. A fraud permission signal must be received before an item can be purchased at an additional authentication layer based on the transmitted information about the latest beacon location information and the latest beacon UUID.

A technical advantage of the present technology is to provide a consumer with a secure transaction in a store setting. Additional advantages include facilitating a consumer in conducting a secure transaction by using the physical location of the consumer as an authentication layer. Using the physical location of the consumer (by virtue of the physical location of the consumer's portable computer system as determined by the beacon) allows multiple layers of authentication without requiring consumer input for all authentication layers. Another advantage of the present technology is to provide systems and methods using beacons that provide micro-location awareness using bluetooth low energy and geo-fencing (virtual perimeter or threshold).

Embodiments of the present invention consist of a system in which a card-holding consumer with a portable consumer device can receive beacon notifications from a store building based on a proximity-based bluetooth low energy beacon at an event, a store, or another location. The receiving device may detect the far, near and intermediate proximity ranges associated with the UUID, primary and secondary pairs, distance values to determine rewards, offers and rewards of consumers within the building. The system may allow a consumer to obtain information, navigation, and offers for items of interest in a store, and initiate a digital transaction for an item from a device once the item is within hand reach (i.e., within the closest proximity zone) on a shelf. By virtue of the signal strength (distance value) of the beacon being selected as the closest to the item to be purchased, the consumer's device is identified as moving within the closest area of the beacon, which enables the digital transaction to be completed. Authorization of the payment may then be accomplished with a display of a button on the consumer's portable computer device that triggers a fingerprint scan and/or other user authentication input to identify the authorized consumer with the payment account.

Referring now to fig. 1, and to fig. 2, at block B100, a signal is received from an electronic beacon via an input-output circuit. In one embodiment, the electronic beacon may be a beacon transmitting device, such as beacon transmitting device 208. When a consumer enters or approaches a store (e.g., 206), a signal may be initially received, such as the illustration shown in fig. 2 (with reference to the keys shown in fig. 9). In the illustration in fig. 2, the beacon transmitting device 208 is not a specific item, it is in the vicinity of a specific item. The portable computer device may be required to be a device that is authorized for a store or event authorization as a portable consumer device (i.e., receiving device, consumer-side device, smart phone, portable computer system). A store or event may provide a portable computer device to a consumer in the store or during the event, and the store or event may be provided at the consumer entrance for immediate use by the consumer upon entry. A consumer may need to activate, download, or open an application or "app" before entering one of the beacon approaches in order to use the present technology (e.g., fig. 2). The initial signal may be initially received if the consumer is already in the store when the application is opened.

At block B110, the processor of the portable computer system or portable computer device (e.g., 204) analyzes the relative strength of the signals received from the electronic beacons to determine the distance. Additional information or message content determined based on the UUID, primary and secondary pairs may be received in the far, near, or nearest signal. Exemplary ranges that may be associated with far, near, and nearest ranges may be thirty meters, two meters, and half a meter. Other ranges may be implemented without departing from the scope of the subject technology. If the consumer is out of range of the remote zone and the consumer has enabled his application, the consumer may receive a message stating the proximity to the nearest store or even unknown. At block B120, in response to determining, by the processor, that the signal strength exceeds the first threshold, the portable computer system identifies the location of the portable computer system as being within a far range of the beacon. At block B130, a welcome message is displayed on the display screen of the portable computer system. The initial welcome message may include an identification of a store number, address, contact information, offer, or other information.

At block B140, in response to a determination by the processor that the signal strength exceeds a second threshold, the processor identifies that the location of the portable computer system has moved within the near zone of the beacon. In one non-limiting example, the near zone may consist of a two meter geofence (i.e., a virtual perimeter or threshold). Within this area, the user may be presented with offers, purchasing rewards, or other information regarding products in the vicinity. The notification may indicate that the consumer should be closer to the item from which the product was purchased. At block B150, the offer is displayed on a display screen of the portable computer system. Once the consumer moves within the area that has been determined to be the closest distance, the consumer may be invited to purchase the product. At block B160, in response to a determination by the processor that the signal strength exceeds a third threshold, the processor identifies that the portable computer system has moved within the proximate area of the beacon. At block B170, an option to complete the digital transaction is displayed on a display screen of the portable computer system based on the proximity of the location of the portable computer system to the purchase item.

At block B180, the portable computer system is enabled to complete a digital transaction based on the proximity of the portable computer system to the purchase item by communicating with a server 202, such as a beacon server, transaction approval server, or the like. In one example, server 202 is connected to store 206, beacon emitting device 208, portable computer device 204, or the entire system shown in fig. 2, 9, or 10A via a wired or wireless connection. The proximity of the consumer's portable computer system to the purchase item serves as a first layer of authentication for the digital transaction. The physical proximity of the device to the item (as determined by the proximity of the device to the nearest beacon) establishes that the consumer is the first verification that it is physically in the store. This first layer authentication serves the purpose of the present invention, i.e. to provide seamless layer authentication without requiring further user input from the consumer.

At block B190, a first user authentication input via the portable computer system is received, such as at the server 202. The first user verification serves as a second layer of authentication for the digital transaction. User authentication may include fingerprint scanning on a touch screen or other sensor of the consumer's portable computer system. Other first user authentication inputs may include a username input, a password input, a gesture recognition pattern input, a signature, or other recognition pattern. Still other first user authentication inputs may include iris scans, photographic inputs via a camera of the portable computer system, which are communicated to the authentication system via the input-output circuitry at B200. At B210, a verification signal is received in response to the first user verification input being permitted by the verification system. Multiple user inputs may be required. If any of the initial user inputs do not provide a valid entry, the consumer may be prompted to re-enter the user input. If additional entries are invalid, a different type of user input may be required.

The user may receive a receipt or confirmation of a successful transaction on the screen of the device by email or by other form of electronic messaging. The consumer may alternatively or additionally be provided notification information including additional instructions to the store's staff of the merchant's staff via the beacon to confirm the purchase, assistance with the large item, a printed copy of a receipt or warranty, or other file associated with the purchase.

Additional steps may include completing the transaction via the portable computer device by communicating digital payment information to a payment or transaction approval system; and receiving confirmation of a successful transaction in response to the digital payment being approved by the payment or transaction approval system; and displaying a transaction receipt on the portable computer device.

In an alternative embodiment, the transaction need not be conducted while the portable computer system is in the hand of the consumer to complete the transaction. Alternatively, a self-checkout kiosk may be provided throughout the store. Once the consumer identifies the item through the self-checkout kiosk, the self-checkout kiosk may detect a transmitted signal (including at least one UUID) from the consumer's portable computer system, the signal acting as a beacon. In this embodiment, the close proximity of the portable computer system is verified as an initial layer of authenticity. Additional user input may be input into the self-checkout kiosk via a camera, microphone, or touch-sensitive display screen and analyzed using facial gesture recognition. The purchase may be confirmed by counting, saying "yes" or entering information (including a password, username, fingerprint, iris scan, or other information) on the touch-sensitive display screen. The consumer may be guided through this process via prompts on the display screen of the self-checkout kiosk. Multiple user inputs may be required. If the initial user input does not provide a valid entry, the consumer may be prompted to re-enter the user input. If additional entries are invalid, different types of user input may be requested.

In another embodiment, the consumer's portable computing device may transmit a low power signal, such as a beacon signal, and a receiver in the store may evaluate the signal to determine if it is within one or more thresholds. Depending on the signal strength, the consumer may be classified as being in the near, intermediate or far zones and the associated message may be displayed as previously described. Similarly, the recipient may display a message and may be used to complete the transaction at the point of sale. Of course, various other arrangements of beacons and portable computing devices are possible and contemplated.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a sample-computing environment physically configured to perform an embodiment of the method. In such a computing environment, the portable computer device 101 may act as a receiver or portable computer device that receives signals from dedicated hardware beacons and determines the signal strength of those signals. Beacons 180a, 180b, and 180c may be dedicated hardware devices capable of transmitting at least one UUID and primary and secondary pairs. The beacon may also be other portable computer devices 101. The proximity distance of the portable computer device 101 to any one or more of the beacons 180 may be determined by the received signal strength.

As shown in fig. 5, the payment transaction data may be received by the system in various ways. In some embodiments, a portable computer device 101 compatible with a wireless personal area network, such as Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, may be used to communicate payment transaction data to the remote computing device 141. In further embodiments, the payment transaction data may be entered by a user, such as a user of a personal computer. As can be appreciated, the relevant transaction data can be manually entered, or can be electronically communicated, such as through the communication device 121 and using Wi-Fi, ethernet, NFC, infrared, high frequency communication systems, or any other electronic communication format.

Fig. 5 may be a high-level diagram of some elements in a sample computing system that may be physically configured to perform various embodiments of a method. The computing system may be a dedicated computing device 141, a dedicated portable computing device 101, an application on computing device 141, an application on portable computing device 101, or a combination of all of these. FIG. 5 may be a high-level illustration of a portable computer device 101 that communicates with a remote computing device 141 through a communication device 121, but applications may be stored and accessed in a variety of ways. Further, the application may be obtained in various ways, such as from an application store, from a website, from a store WiFi system, and so forth. There may be various versions of an application that may take advantage of the benefits of different computing devices, different computing languages, and different API platforms.

In one embodiment, the portable computer device 101 may be a device that operates using a portable power source 155 (FIG. 6), such as a battery. Referring to fig. 5, portable computer device 101 may also have a display 102, which may or may not be a touch sensitive display. More specifically, the display 102 may have a capacitive sensor, which may be used to provide input data to the portable computer device 101, for example. In other embodiments, an input pad 104, such as an arrow, scroll wheel, keyboard, etc., may be used to provide input to the portable computer device 101. In addition, the portable computer device 101 may have a microphone 106 that can accept and store spoken data, a camera 108 for accepting images, and a speaker 110 for communicating sounds.

The portable computer device 101 may be able to communicate with the computing device 141 or computing devices 141 that make up the computing device cloud 111 through the communication device 121. The portable computer device 101 may communicate in various ways. In some embodiments, the communication may be wired, such as by an ethernet cable, a USB cable, or an RJ6 cable. In other embodiments, the communication may be wireless, such as by Wi-Fi (802.11 standard), bluetooth low energy, cellular communication, or near field communication devices. The communication may involve the computing device 141 or may be through a communication device or network 121 such as a cellular service, through the internet, through a private network, through bluetooth, through near field communication, etc. Fig. 6 may be a simplified illustration of the physical elements making up portable computer device 101, and fig. 7 may be a simplified illustration of the physical elements making up server-type computing device 141.

Referring to fig. 6, the sample portable computer device 101 may be physically configured according to a method as part of a system. Non-limiting examples of portable computer devices include portable computer systems, including physically separate peripheral devices, mobile devices, client devices, smart phones, tablet computers, PDAs, video game consoles, or any other device having a processor, memory, and communication capabilities. Fig. 6 may also represent a beacon device, as the portable computer device may also act as a beacon. The portable computer device 101 may have a processor 150 physically configured according to computer-executable instructions. Which may have a portable power source 155 such as a rechargeable battery. It may also have a sound and video module 160 that assists in displaying video and sound, and may be turned off when not in use to save power and battery life. The portable computer device 101 may also have volatile memory 165 and non-volatile memory 170. There may also be an input/output bus 175 that transfers data to and from various user input devices, such as the microphone 106, camera 108, and other inputs 102. It may also control communication with the network by wireless or wired means. Of course, this is only one embodiment of the portable computer device 101, and the number and types of portable computer devices 101 are limited only by the imagination. The portable computer device 101 may act as the display 102 or may be part of the display 102.

The physical elements making up the remote computing device 141, such as the payment or transaction approval system, may be implemented as a server, such as a beacon server, transaction approval server, or the like, and are further illustrated in fig. 7. The high-level computing device 141 may include digital storage such as magnetic disks, optical disks, flash memory, non-volatile storage, and the like. The structured data may be stored in a digital storage area, such as a database. The server 141 may have a processor 30 physically configured according to computer-executable instructions. It may also have a sound and video module 305 that assists in displaying video and sound, and may be turned off when not in use to save power and battery life. The server 141 may also have volatile memory 310 and non-volatile memory 315.

The database 325 may be stored in the memory 310 or 315 or may be separate. The database 325 may also be part of the computing device cloud 141 and may be stored in a distributed manner across multiple computing devices 141. There may also be an input/output bus 320 that transfers data to and from user input devices, such as the microphone 106, camera 108, input 102, and the like. The input/output bus 320 may also control communication with a network through wireless or wired means. In some embodiments, the application may be located on the local computing device 101, and in other embodiments, the application may be remote 141. Of course, this is only one embodiment of the server 141, and the number and type of computing devices 141 is limited only by the imagination.

With further reference to fig. 2 and 9, fig. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating another method based on the subject technology according to one embodiment of the present invention from the perspective of a system, such as a computing device or server 141. For example, the server 141 may be part of a system for configuring a multi-tier authentication system to complete a transaction. The system includes one or more beacon transmitting devices (as shown as 180a, 180b, or 180c in fig. 2 and 4) for transmitting beacons at time intervals. The beacon includes content having a message that varies according to the signal strength of the beacon.

As shown in FIG. 3, a consumer enters a store, location, event, or defined space at 302. In one embodiment, the consumer may scan items at a shelf checkout or payment kiosk at 304 to conduct a digital transaction in response to the items identified by the consumer. In this embodiment, a point of sale (POS) device used as a beacon may scan the portable consumer device or portable computer device at 306. The signal strength of a beacon from a beacon transmitting device indicates the area in the defined space covered by the beacon, such as the UUID. In the system of this embodiment, the beacon emitting device or UUID transmitted to the server 141, the UUID may be compared with the consumer data at 308. If the comparison is negative, system 141 or alternatively, the beacon transmitting device will return to 306 for use with other portable computer devices. On the other hand, if the comparison is positive, system 141 can identify a relevant or associated reward or award in response to the determination (see more detailed description below).

Still referring to FIG. 3, at 312, the POS device receives proximity range information communicated with the portable computer device, and if the portable computer device is within range of 314, then based on the range information, the POS device may send content or messages depending on signal strength at 316. In one example, the portable computer device includes input/output circuitry for sensing the beacon to identify its signal strength. As shown in fig. 6, the portable computer device may include a device processor and an interface. A camera or other imaging device connected to the POS device may be activated to detect movement of the user, such as nodding of the head or other body motion, in gesture recognition at 318. Next, the system may perform a series of verifications, such as verifying whether the consumer confirmed nodding (implying "yes" in case of gesture recognition) at 320, or, as described above, may use an iris scanner at 322 and 324. Once a series of verifications is confirmed, at 326, the price and item are displayed or provided on a display or portable computer device connected to the POS. In another embodiment, an additional verification may be used, such as the user's fingerprint at 328 and 330. Once the verification is confirmed, the server may complete the digital transaction at 332 by treating the verification as authorization to complete the transaction. At 334, a receipt or confirmation receipt may be provided to the user via a printed copy on the POS (via a printer connected to the POS) or via an electronic copy of the email address.

According to further embodiments, the subject technology provides for navigation through a store using wireless personal area network technology (such as beacon technology, e.g., bluetooth low energy) for a consumer to locate an offer and conduct a transaction with a card-holding consumer using a portable computing device (such as a smart phone). Navigation may consist of proximity notification, letting the consumer know that he is within far, near, and closest range that is ultimately associated with a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) (an identifier that distinguishes beacons used by a chain of stores, brands, or applications), a primary-secondary pair (specifying a group of beacons and specifying a single beacon, respectively), and a distance value (signal strength) to a beacon in a store or location. The offer or reward may be provided with the navigation notification.

One technical advantage is to provide a consumer with assistance in locating products and special offers on shelves within a store setting. Additional advantages include assisting the consumer in locating additional items of interest within the store based on the items of interest, or providing navigation through the store based on shopping interests. Another technical advantage is to enable a consumer to use his/her smartphone device as a beacon, advertising his or her presence to stores and preferred communities once within a particular proximity using the same social and consumer networks associated with the consumer's cardholder account. Another technical advantage of the subject technology is to provide a system and method for indoor navigation that is seamlessly integrated with an offer-based transaction. Another benefit of the present invention is to provide location assistance to consumers without the need to broadcast consumer location information. Another technical advantage of the subject technology is to provide turn-by-turn navigation to a consumer to assist the consumer in locating products and offers based on the consumer's current location within a store. Additional technical advantages are inventory management, loss prevention, and optimization of traffic patterns throughout stores and events.

Aspects of the invention consist of a system in which a card-holding consumer with a portable consumer device can receive beacon notifications from a store building based on a proximity-based bluetooth low energy beacon in the store or location. The receiving device will detect the proximity ranges of far, near and closest associated with the Universally Unique Identifier (UUID), primary and secondary pairs, distance values to determine the rewards, offers and rewards of the consumers within the building. Exemplary ranges that may be associated with far, near, and nearest ranges may be thirty meters, two meters, and half a meter. Other ranges may be implemented without departing from the scope of the subject technology. While a consumer's portable computing device may only act as a receiver, not allowing the transfer of consumer location information, an alternative embodiment provides a system that also allows a consumer to act as a beacon to announce its presence by signaling a beacon receiver located within a store with a UUID to determine proximity using bluetooth low energy. The system will allow the consumer to obtain a guide for items of interest in the store and initiate a digital transaction from the device for items in closest proximity and authorize payment with a button that triggers a fingerprint scan to identify the authorized consumer using the payment account.

Referring to fig. 8, at block B800, a location of the portable computing device is identified within boundaries of the electronic beacon using a processor to determine a signal strength of the electronic beacon. The portable computing device may be required to be a device that is authorized by the store or event as an authorized portable consumer device. A store or event may provide a portable computing device to a consumer while the consumer is in the store or during the event. For example, FIG. 9 shows an example of a store showing entries for the store that display capabilities of embodiments of the present invention. A consumer may need to activate, download, or open an application or "app" before coming within proximity of one of the beacons (i.e., signposts). For example, fig. 9 shows one or more signposts along different locations in a store.

At block B810, the input-output circuitry displays one or more offers, wherein the offers relate to the portable computing device's location to the plurality of beacons. As the input-output circuit of the receiving device (i.e., portable computing device) detects the beacon, the far, near, and closest proximity ranges are determined based on the UUID, the primary and secondary pairs, and the distance value. Offers, rewards, and awards may be paired with proximity ranges and displayed on the consumer's portable computing device. At block B820, a destination is selected via the input-output circuit, wherein the destination is associated with one or more bids. At block B830, the input-output circuit displays an orientation on the display of the portable computing system associated with the primary-secondary relative value corresponding to the most recent electronic beacon. For example, according to FIG. 9, assume that a consumer (designated by the triangle symbol in FIG. 9) wishes to purchase item A. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the input-output circuit displays the direction to the article a based on the location of the consumer.

At block B840, in one embodiment, when the most recent electronic beacon changes, the direction is updated based on the most recent electronic beacon. Directions may include turn-by-turn navigation based on landmarks in the store (e.g., the indoor route/path shown in fig. 9), approximate distances, or may be provided by an on-screen icon or audible indicator that lets the customer know about when to turn, see also fig. 9. At block B850, responsive to the nearest beacon of the selected destination being the nearest electronic beacon to the portable computing device (i.e., the closest proximity of the beacon that the consumer has reached closest to the destination), an opportunity is provided on the display to purchase the item via the portable computing device.

Additional steps may include completing a transaction via the portable computing device by communicating digital payment information to a payment approval system via an input-output circuit (such as a checkout kiosk or checkout point); and receiving confirmation of a successful transaction in response to the payment approval system approving the digital payment; and displaying a transaction receipt on the portable computing device.

In another embodiment, the consumer's portable computing device may transmit a low power signal, such as a beacon signal, and a receiver in the store may evaluate the signal to determine if it is within one or more thresholds. Depending on the signal strength, the consumer may be classified as being in the near, intermediate or far zones and the associated message may be displayed as previously described. Similarly, the recipient may display a message and may be used to complete the transaction at the point of sale. Of course, various other arrangements of beacons and portable computing devices are possible and contemplated.

Fig. 10A (with reference to the symbols shown in fig. 9) is an illustration of an exemplary system for guiding a consumer in a digital payment transaction and event registration using primary and secondary pairs, in accordance with an embodiment of the subject technology. Similar to FIG. 2, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10A, a consumer may approach a store while an application is running. Far proximity may be about thirty meters or less from the beacon. Once this threshold is approached, the consumer may receive a welcome message sent from the beacon transmitter. This geofence (i.e., virtual perimeter or threshold) may coincide with a threshold of the store, or may comprise an area generally in front of the store or parking area. Once inside the store, the consumer may enter the scope of other beacons that transmit sales information and other associated offers related to the particular item. In this illustration, the beacon transmitting device (e.g., 208) may be on or in close proximity to a particular item. The consumer may then receive direction information from the beacon. Once within close proximity, perhaps a threshold of about two tenths of a meter of the nearest beacon for a particular item, the consumer may be offered the opportunity to purchase the item. The customer may then complete the transaction using the customer's portable computing device. The transaction may include a combination of peripheral devices such as a touch screen, a fingerprint scanner, a camera, a scanner, a microphone, or a combination of inputs. The customer will receive confirmation of the point-of-sale transaction via receipt, email, text, or other electronic means. The merchant may need additional verification of the transaction as the customer leaves the store with the merchandise.

10B-10H are illustrations of sample graphical user interfaces of the subject technology, according to embodiments of the subject technology. As shown in fig. 10G, the digital payment transaction may include fingerprint authentication requirements in order to complete the payment transaction. The offers displayed on the graphical user interfaces of fig. 10B-10H may be used to specifically guide the user, and may include additional directions, such as "turn left near green sweater" or "walk straight through lane four". The following embodiments are contemplated: where the customer may be able to select an audio-based direction or a simple intuitive graphical signal (such as directional arrows and symbols, or even an animation-or video-based direction with a graphical overlay). By providing point-of-sale systems on shelves, loss prevention may be reduced.

Fig. 11 is an illustration of an exemplary system capable of sending a registration notification in accordance with an embodiment of the subject technology. In some embodiments of the subject technology, the portable computing device may additionally act as a transmitter, i.e., the customer's portable computing device may also act as a beacon itself. It may transmit a signal with data (including the UUID) to a beacon receiver located within the store to determine the proximity of the portable computing device (and thus the customer). Once a customer is registered at a store or event location, the customer may be able to receive additional information about the store or event through the application software at a future time or when the customer is not physically present in the store.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes and laws, the above-described exemplary configurations are considered to represent preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted, however, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims (20)

1. A system for configuring a multi-tier authentication system to complete a transaction, the system comprising:

beacon transmitting means for transmitting a beacon at a time interval, the beacon comprising content having a message that varies in accordance with a signal strength of the beacon, the signal strength indicating a region in a defined space covered by the beacon;

a portable computer device comprising input/output circuitry for sensing the beacon to identify its signal strength;

wherein the portable computer device comprises a device processor and an interface;

wherein the device processor determines that the signal strength in the sensed beacon exceeds a second threshold;

in response to the determination being positive, wherein the device processor of the portable computer device provides a first change message corresponding to the second threshold in the sensed beacon via the interface;

in response to providing the first change message, the portable computer device, after repositioning to sense the beacon, determines that the signal strength exceeds a third threshold;

in response to the determination being positive, wherein the device processor of the portable computer device provides a second change message corresponding to the third threshold via the interface;

wherein the beacon transmitting device receives a receipt from the portable computer device for receiving the second change message;

a transaction approval server configured to communicate with the beacon emitting device, establish an authentication system to process a digital transaction in response to receiving the receipt, wherein the transaction approval server identifies the receipt as a first tier of the authentication system;

wherein the portable computer device receives an instruction from a user via the interface to complete one of the digital transactions of an item, wherein the transaction approval server identifies the instruction as a second layer of the authentication system in response to receiving the instruction;

in response to the identified instruction, wherein the transaction approval server approves the second layer of the authentication system; and is

Wherein the transaction approval server transmits a receipt confirmation of one of the digital transactions of the item to the portable computer device.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: in response to identifying the signal strength exceeding a first threshold, the portable computer device displays one or more of the following information for the defined space: a welcome message, an address of the defined space, and contact information.

3. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the portable computer device receives an indication of an area to sense a beacon having a signal strength of the third threshold in response to the provided first change message.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the input/output circuitry or the beacon transmitting device comprises circuitry compatible with wireless personal area network technology.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first change message is an offer to purchase the item.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the second change message is an invitation to complete one of the digital transactions of the item.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the transaction approval server transmits a receipt confirmation of one of the digital transactions of the item to the portable computer device.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the portable computer device further comprises a connection with the transaction approval server in response to receiving the instruction from the user via the interface to complete one of the digital transactions.

9. A system for completing a transaction with beacon-assisted navigation, the system comprising:

beacon transmitting means for transmitting a beacon at a time interval, the beacon comprising content having a message that varies in accordance with a signal strength of the beacon, the signal strength indicating a region in a defined space covered by the beacon;

a portable computer device comprising input/output circuitry for sensing the beacon to identify its signal strength;

wherein the portable computer device comprises a device processor and an interface;

wherein the device processor identifies items of interest from additional sources for consideration by a user in the defined space;

wherein the device processor determines that the signal strength in the sensed beacon exceeds a second threshold;

in response to the determination being positive, the device processor identifying the change message corresponding to the second threshold in the sensed beacon;

wherein the device processor analyzes the identified item of interest and the identified change message;

in response to the analysis, wherein the device processor provides a first change message via the interface, the first change message comprising an offer to purchase an item;

in response to providing the first change message, wherein the portable computer device determines that the signal strength exceeds a third threshold after being repositioned to sense the beacon;

wherein the device processor provides a second change message corresponding to the third threshold via the interface;

a transaction approval server configured to communicate with the beacon transmitting device, receive a receipt from the beacon transmitting device;

in response to providing the second change message, wherein the portable computer device receives an instruction from a user via the interface to complete one of the digital transactions of the item;

wherein the transaction approval server approves one of the digital transactions after receiving the instruction from the user; and is

Wherein the transaction approval server is configured to communicate with the portable computer device to transmit acknowledgement data of one of the digital transactions of the item to the portable computer device.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: in response to identifying the signal strength exceeding a first threshold, the portable computer device displays one or more of the following information for the defined space: a welcome message, an address of the defined space, and contact information.

11. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the portable computer device further receives an indication for the user in a region for sensing the beacon having the signal strength of the first threshold, the second threshold, or the third threshold.

12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the input/output circuitry or the beacon transmitting device comprises circuitry compatible with wireless personal area network technology.

13. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the processor of central unit transmits the receipt confirmation of one of the digital transactions of the item to the portable computer device.

14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the portable computer device further comprises a connection to the transaction approval system in response to receiving the instruction from the user.

15. A system for configuring a multi-tier authentication system to complete a transaction, the system comprising:

beacon transmitting means for transmitting a beacon at a time interval, the beacon comprising content having a message that varies in accordance with a signal strength of the beacon, the signal strength indicating a region in a defined space covered by the beacon;

a portable computer device for sensing the beacon to identify its signal strength;

wherein the portable computer device identifies items of interest from additional sources for consideration by a user in the defined space;

wherein the portable computer device determines that the signal strength in the sensed beacon exceeds a second threshold;

in response to the determination being positive, the portable computer device identifying the change message corresponding to the second threshold in the sensed beacon;

wherein the portable computer device compares the identified item of interest with the identified change message;

in response to the comparison, wherein the portable computer device provides a first change message, the first change message including an offer to purchase the item;

in response to providing the first change message, wherein the portable computer device determines that the signal strength exceeds a third threshold after being repositioned to sense the beacon;

in response to the determination being affirmative, wherein the portable computer device provides a second change message corresponding to the third threshold, wherein the second change message is an invitation to complete one of the digital transactions of the item;

wherein the beacon transmitting device receives a receipt from the portable computer device for receiving the second change message;

a transaction approval server configured to communicate with the beacon emitting device, establish an authentication system to process a digital transaction in response to receiving the receipt, wherein the transaction approval server identifies the receipt as a first tier of the authentication system;

wherein the portable computer device receives an instruction from a user to complete one of the digital transactions of the item, wherein the transaction approval server identifies the instruction as a second tier of the authentication system in response to receiving the instruction;

in response to the identified instruction, wherein the transaction approval server approves the second layer of the authentication system; and is

Wherein the transaction approval server transmits a receipt confirmation of the digital transaction of the item to the portable computer device.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising: in response to identifying the signal strength exceeding a first threshold, the portable computer device displays one or more of the following information for the defined space: a welcome message, an address of the defined space, and contact information.

17. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the portable computer device receives an indication of an area to sense a beacon having a signal strength of the third threshold in response to the provided first change message.

18. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the input/output circuitry or the beacon transmitting device comprises circuitry compatible with wireless personal area network technology.

19. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the portable computer device identifying the item of interest from the further source comprises the portable computer device identifying the item of interest from one or more of the following sources: a social networking account of the user, a memory of the portable computer device, and an account of the user stored from outside the portable computer device.

20. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the portable computer device further comprises a connection to the transaction approval server in response to receiving the instruction from the user to complete one of the digital transactions.