Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MOBILE CREDIT ACQUISITION WITH FORM POPULATION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS (PROVISIONAL)
[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of co-pending U.S.
Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/408,554 filed on October 14, 2016, entitled "MOBILE CREDIT
ACQUISITION WITH FORM POPULATION" by Adam Koltnow et al., and assigned to the
assignee of the present application.
[0002] This application claims priority to and benefit of co-pending U.S.
Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/375,851 filed on August 16, 2016, entitled "MOBILE CREDIT
ACQUISITION WITH FORM POPULATION" by Adam Koltnow et al., and assigned to the
assignee of the present application.
[0003] This application claims priority to and claims the benefit of U.S.S.N.
15/341,988 filed
November 2, 2016.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Company specific, brand specific or even store specific credit
accounts provide
significant value to both consumer and provider. By issuing a store specific
credit account, the
provider is able to tailor rewards offers, provide loyalty discounts and
maintain consumer brand
loyalty. Similarly, the consumer receives the perks from the reward offers and
the loyalty
discounts. In addition, a user receiving the rewards and discounts will often
recommend the
credit account to friends via word of mouth, social networks, internet rating
sites, and the like.
1
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of
this
specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together with the
Description of Embodiments,
serve to explain principles discussed below. The drawings referred to in this
brief description
should not be understood as being drawn to scale unless specifically noted.
[0006] Figure lA is a block diagram of a mobile credit acquisition system, in
accordance with
an embodiment.
[0007] Figure 1B is a block diagram of a user specific information engine
accessing one or
more different search locations, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0008] Figure 2A is a flow chart of a method for mobile credit acquisition, in
accordance with
an embodiment.
[0009] Figure 2B is a flow chart of a method for utilizing the device
identifier and the user
identifier to obtain user specific information, in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0010] Figure 3A is a block diagram of a mobile credit acquisition as viewed
on a user's
mobile device, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0011] Figure 3B is a block diagram of a mobile direct credit application as
viewed on a user's
mobile device, in accordance with an embodiment.
2
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
[0012] Figure 3C is a block diagram of another embodiment for mobile credit
acquisition as
viewed on a user's mobile device, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0013] Figure 3D is a block diagram of an embodiment for mobile credit
acquisition having
prepopulated form information as viewed on a user's mobile device, in
accordance with an
embodiment.
[0014] Figure 4 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a retail
establishment for
mobile credit acquisition in accordance with an embodiment.
[0015] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example computer system with which or
upon which
various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented.
3
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
100161 Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the subject
matter, examples
of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the subject
matter discussed herein
will be described in conjunction with various embodiments, it will be
understood that they are
not intended to limit the subject matter to these embodiments. On the
contrary, the presented
embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents,
which may be
included within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments as defined by
the appended
claims. Furthermore, in the Description of Embodiments, numerous specific
details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present
subject matter.
However, embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well
known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in
detail as not to
unnecessarily obscure aspects of the described embodiments.
Notation and Nomenclature
100171 Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following
discussions, it is
appreciated that throughout the present Description of Embodiments,
discussions utilizing terms
such as "selecting", "outputting", "inputting", "providing", "receiving",
"utilizing", "obtaining",
"updating", "accessing", "changing", "correlating", "prescreening",
"developing", "presenting",
"deploying" or the like, often refer to the actions and processes of an
electronic computing
device/system, such as a desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet, mobile
phone, and
electronic personal display, among others. The electronic computing
device/system manipulates
and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the
circuits, electronic
registers, memories, logic, and/or components and the like of the electronic
computing
4
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
device/system into other data similarly represented as physical quantities
within the electronic
computing device/system or other electronic computing devices/systems.
Overview
[0018] Mobile credit acquisition is discussed herein. In one embodiment, the
offer and
acceptance occur via interaction with the user through the user's mobile
device. In one
embodiment, by providing the offers and responses via the user's mobile device
the user can
receive and review the offer at a less stressful location as compared to when
the offer is made by
an associate at the point of sale (POS). That is, by moving the offer and
acceptance away from
the POS the user does not feel "put on the spot" or rushed by other customers
in line, etc.
[0019] Moreover, after finding out information about the client, that
information can be used for
pre-population form filling when forms are provided to the user on the mobile
device. In other
words, many fields in an application will be pre-populated which will reduce
the amount of work
a user has to do inputting the information. This work reduction will allow the
process to flow
faster and reduce user form abandonment.
[0020] In general, form abandonment occurs when a user needs to fill out a
form and the form
has a number of questions that need answers. In other words, the more
questions that need
answers, the more likely that a user will abandon the form before completion.
Thus, if the form
is prepopulated with information, there will be fewer blanks for the user to
fill in in order to
complete the form. The fewer blanks will allow the form to be completed before
the user
becomes frustrated, distracted, overwhelmed, or the like. As such, the
percentage of users
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
completing the credit application form will increase as the amount of
questions that need answers
input by the user decrease.
100211 Importantly, the embodiments of the present invention, as will be
described below,
provide a mobile credit acquisition with form population which differs
significantly from the
conventional processes used for consumers to apply for a credit account. In
conventional
approaches, when filling out the forms to apply for credit, the consumer must
key in a lot of
information such as name, address, phone number, birthday, identification
number, etc. Such
conventional approaches are error prone, tedious, time-consuming, and often
times a user will
quit the process before it can be completed. Instead, the present embodiments,
as will be
described and explained below in detail, provide a previously unknown
procedure for reducing
the amount of data a consumer has to key by locating the consumer's name,
address and other
personal information via automated searches. Thus, embodiments of the present
invention
provide a streamlined method for mobile credit acquisition which extends well
beyond what was
previously done by hand.
[0022] As will be described in detail, the various embodiments of the present
invention do not
merely implement conventional mobile credit acquisition processes on a
computer. Instead, the
various embodiments of the present invention, in part, provide a previously
unknown procedure
for reducing the amount of data a consumer has to key by locating the
consumer's name, address
and other personal information via automated searches. Hence, embodiments of
the present
invention provide a novel process for mobile credit acquisition with form
population which is
necessarily rooted in computer technology to overcome a problem specifically
arising in the
realm of digital customer key fatigue.
6
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
[0023] Moreover, the embodiments do not recite a mathematical algorithm; nor
do they recite a
fundamental economic or longstanding commercial practice. Instead, they
address a business
challenge, the loss of credit applications due to key fatigue. Another key
benefit is if the
consumer is approved for the brand credit account they are presented with a
temporary account
for immediate use, providing an excellent consumer experience, thus, building
brand loyalty and
potential incremental spend for the brand. Thus, the embodiments do not
"merely recite the
performance of some business practice known from the pre-Internet world along
with the
requirement to perform it on the Internet. Instead, the embodiments are
necessarily rooted in
retail purchase technology in order to overcome a problem specifically arising
in the realm of
customer application fatigue."
[0024] For purposes of the discussion, a user's mobile device may be a mobile
phone, a smart
phone, a tablet, a smart watch, a piece of smart jewelry, smart glasses, and
other user portable
devices having wireless connectivity. That is, the mobile device would be
capable of
broadcasting and receiving via at least one network, such as, but not limited
to, WiFi, Cellular,
Bluetooth, NFC, and the like. In one embodiment, the mobile device may have a
positioning
determining system. In another embodiment, the mobile device may be able to
determine
location within a given radius, such as the broadcast range of a beacon, WiFi
hotspot, overlapped
area covered by a plurality of mobile telephone signal providers, or the like.
[0025] In the following discussion, the term "prescreen" is utilized. In
general, prescreen refers
to a credit prescreen for a user. That is, a screening of a user based on some
sort of identification
7
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
information that allows a likely credit determination to be performed via a
credit reporting
agency. For example, if Consumer 1 is pre-screened, identifying information
would be obtained,
such as, his name and current address. The name and current address would be
used to perform a
credit check of Consumer l's credit history and qualifications based on the
credit issuer's
selection criteria. In one embodiment, the check may occur at one of a number
of possible credit
reporting agencies. However, in another embodiment, the check of Consumer l's
credit history
may be limited, such as, to his credit history with one given credit reporting
agency.
[0026] It should be appreciated that the obtaining or accessing of user
information conforms to
applicable privacy laws (e.g., federal privacy laws, state privacy laws, etc.)
and applicable fair
credit reporting act laws. In one embodiment, prior to accessing user
information, the user
affirmatively "opts-in" to the services described herein. For example, during
the use of an
issuer's mobile application, the user is prompted with a choice to
affirmatively "opt-in" to
various services. As a result, any information is obtained with the user's
prior permission.
[0027] Moreover, depending on present or future credit prescreening
requirements, rules and
regulations, the credit prescreen described herein may be more or less formal.
For example, if
the legislation requires a user be informed, or provide authorization, before
a review of the user's
credit score is authorized, the credit prescreen described herein would be
modified to remain
within the meets and bounds of the applicable laws.
8
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
Operation
[0028] Referring now to Figure 1A, a block diagram of a mobile credit
acquisition system 100 is
shown in accordance with an embodiment. In one embodiment, mobile credit
acquisition system
100 includes an incentive offer 105, an offer acceptance 110, a user specific
information engine
120 and an incentive provider 130. Although a number of applications and
components are
shown in mobile credit acquisition system 100, it should be appreciated that
the components and
applications may be located separately from one another. For example, one or
more of the
components and applications may be found on one or more locations, such as,
but not limited to
a computer in the retail store, a server at a remote location, on the cloud
126 or the like.
[0029] In general, offer 105 is an incentive offer for a user intended to be
redeemed via a user's
mobile device. For example, offer 105 may be a digitally redeemable incentive,
an offer for a
credit account, or the like. For example, the offer may be a discount
percentage, a free gift, a
coupon, a surprise gift, a surprise reward, or the like. Offer 105 may be
located on a physical
item such as a poster, or the like and include a visual code such as a
barcode, a QR code, a
number to text, an email address to reply to, or the like. In another
embodiment, offer 105 is
received by the user's mobile device, e.g., via a beacon broadcast, WiFi
broadcast, email, text,
SMS, social media alert, app alert, or the like. In yet another embodiment,
offer 105 may be
provided by an app on the user's mobile device once the mobile device is
within a certain
vicinity of the store providing the offer.
[0030] If a user does not chose to accept offer 105 then the system goes to
end 106 and no
further actions are taken.
9
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
[0031] At offer acceptance 110, a number of different options may be available
to accept the
offer 105. For example, the offer acceptance may be in the form of a message
interaction such as
shown and described in further detail in Figures 3A through 3D. In one
embodiment, offer
acceptance 110 includes providing a mobile device ID 116 and a user ID 118.
[0032] In general, device ID 116 can be the mobile device's phone number, SIM
card integrated
circuit card identifier (ICCID), unique device identifier (UDID), or the like.
[0033] User ID 118 can be the user's zip code, social security number or
portion thereof, driver's
license number or portion thereof, or the like that is used to identify a
specific user.
[0034] Thus, a user's acceptance of offer 105 will include enough information
for the mobile
credit acquisition system 100 to perform a prescreen of the user for purposes
of offering the user
an opportunity to obtain a credit account.
[0035] In one embodiment, user specific information engine 120 will receive
the message
accepting the digitally redeemable incentive, from a user's mobile device. The
acceptance
message will include device ID 116 and user ID 118.
[0036] In one embodiment, user specific information engine 120 will use device
ID 116 and user
ID 118 to obtain user specific information useable for a credit prescreen
and/or to prepopulate an
electronic form such as a credit application. In general, user specific
information could be at
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
,
least two of: a name and full or partial address, a driver's license number, a
social security
number, or the like.
[0037] As shown in Figure 1B, user specific information engine 120 may access
the different
search locations via the cloud 126. An example of cloud 126 is a network such
as the Internet,
local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or the like.
[0038] One embodiment uses the device ID 116 and user ID 118 information to
perform a
proprietary search 5 of at least one proprietary database 16. In general, the
proprietary database
16 may be one or more databases such as a credit accounts database, or the
like, that store a
company's private database such as an Alliance Data Legacy database or the
like. Proprietary
database 16 will include user specific information for customers that have
existing accounts with
the company, have previously applied for an account, or the like.
[0039] In one embodiment, the proprietary search 5 will only search a database
related to a
specific company. For example, if the incentive provider is a specific
company, e.g., Nash's
skate and bike emporium, then in a company specific database search, only the
existing customer
information related to Nash's skate and bike emporium will be searched. For
example, a check
is performed to see if the customer has an existing brand account, e.g., is
already an existing
customer in the database.
[0040] However, if the proprietary search 5 is for a group of companies, a
shared information
database, or the like, then all of the customer information in the databases
may be searched for a
match with the device ID 116 or the user ID 118. For example, if the database
includes Nash's
11
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
skate and bike, Mike's hardware, and Tarrin's dress stores, and all three
companies are sharing
information, then the search would encompass all three store's databases of
information.
[0041] For example, search an internal accountholder database to see if the
consumer has
another account within the shared information database. For example, if the
customer does not
have a Nash's skate and bike account, the underlying credit account, e.g.,
Alliance Data database
is searched to see if the customer has an account at a different brand
associated with Alliance
Data.
[0042] In one embodiment, consumer information 6 that is found in the
proprietary database 16
will be verified using a confidence factor 7. For example, if only one record
is found and it is 5
days old, the confidence in the found records would likely be below a
confidence threshold. In
contrast, if 2 years of records are found, records such as prior accounts,
present accounts,
memberships, rewards information, and the like, then the confidence in the
user specific
information found in the records would be above the confidence factor
threshold. If the user
specific information is above the confidence threshold, then the user specific
information is
deemed valid. At that point, the user specific information is returned via
return information 12 to
user specific info obtainer 120 and then passed on to incentive provider 130
as discussed and
shown in Figure 1A.
Validation Using Fraud Business Rules
[0043] One embodiment incorporates one or more of several fraud mitigation
business rules to
attempt to prevent fraudulent activity; e.g., to validate the found records.
These business rules
include logic that look at specific activity on a consumer's account that
point to potential
12
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
fraudulent activities. In addition, fraud mitigation tool may be implemented.
The fraud
mitigation tool will use device and internet protocol (IP) information to
predict if the credit
application can be trusted or will eventually become fraudulent.
[0044] For example, in one embodiment, the fraud mitigation will ignore any
credit accounts
that meet situations such as, but not limited to, the following. It is
associated within a brand(s)
that have been determined to have a high propensity for fraud. It is currently
in a derogatory
status. The account was opened within a defined number of days, where the
number of days is
controlled by internal parameter and can be tightened, loosened or turned off.
The phone
number matched has been changed within a defined number of days, where the
number of days
is controlled by internal parameter and can be tightened, loosened or turned
off. An authorized
buyer has been added to the account within a defined number of days, where the
number of days
is controlled by internal parameter and can be tightened, loosened or turned
off The address has
been changed within a defined number of days, where the number of days is
controlled by
internal parameter and can be tightened, loosened or turned off The account
has been inactive
within a defined number of months, where the number of months is controlled by
internal
parameter and can be tightened, loosened or turned off. Multiple accounts are
found for the
mobile phone number, zip code and last 4 digits of the SSN but all accounts
are not the same
person; and the like.
[0045] If no user specific information is found during the proprietary search
5 or if the found
user specific information cannot be validated, then the device ID 116 and user
ID 118 are passed
on to a secondary search 25. At secondary search 25, a second source search
engine 28 will
13
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
search at least one secondary source database 26. One example of secondary
source database 26
is a reverse phone number look up such as reverse phone look-up. However,
other secondary
source databases may be searched such as, but not limited to: social media
sites, search engines,
online public and/or private records, reverse name and phone number engines,
and the like. In
one embodiment, the user specific information may be obtained by performing a
secondary
source database 26 search with the user ID 118 and the device ID 116.
[0046] In one embodiment, the secondary search 25 may be for example, a real-
time call to a
reverse phone look-up product to try and locate the consumer. In general,
reverse phone look-up
products provide accurate and current consumer telephone information. In many
cases, the data
is updated regularly from a broad range of sources, including regional bell
operating companies,
white pages and proprietary sources. One embodiment also integrates validation
and
authentication aspects that add further benefits to append address information
for a consumer. In
general, validation and authentication aspects match consumer name and zip
code information
that was returned from the reverse phone look-up, against data from a
secondary source to return
full address data.
[0047] If consumer information 36 is found then the user specific information
is returned via
return information 12 to user specific info obtainer 120. If no user specific
information is found
from the secondary sources 25, then no user specific information will be pre-
populated into the
forms. That is, the user specific info obtainer 120 will receive a return
empty 39. However, if a
match is made, then the user specific information can be used to prepopulate a
portion of the
14
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
application. E.g., name, address, city, state, zip, mobile phone number,
email, etc. of the
application.
[0048] This is a benefit of the mobile credit acquisition with form population
capability. Utilizing the form population reduces the amount of data a
consumer has to key by
locating the consumer's name and address via automated searches.
[0049] In another embodiment, when a consumer has to enter or change their
address and begins
to type their address, a search is invoked that returns a list of potential
results based on the zip
code that was entered in the initial user experience. As more characters are
typed the picklist is
refined to display closer matches. When the address is selected, it will be
checked for
completeness and the associated city and state will be auto pre-filled
[0050] Referring now back to Figure 1A, user specific information engine 120
will provide the
user specific information to incentive provider 130. In one embodiment,
incentive provider 130
includes a credit prescreen module 140, a new credit account offer 150 and a
credit account
generator 160. Although a number of applications and components are shown, it
should be
appreciated that there may be more of fewer components and applications of
incentive provider
130. Moreover, different pieces may be combined, re-organized, located
separately from one
another, or the like.
[0051] In general, credit prescreen module 140 accesses a credit reporting
agency 141 via cloud
126 to determine credit information for the user based on the identification
information. An
example of cloud 126 is a network such as described herein. The credit
reporting agency 141
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
may be a company such as, but not limited to, Experian, Equifax, TransUnion,
Innovis and the
like.
[0052] Credit prescreen module 140 will analyze the user's credit information
provided by credit
reporting agency 141 to determine if the user passes a prescreen credit
criteria. In one
embodiment, credit prescreen module 140 will also receive a minimum credit
amount. In
general, minimum credit amount refers to a minimum credit limit for the user
to prequalify. For
example, the minimum credit amount may be 500.00 USD. In the case where credit
prescreen
module 140 receives a minimum credit amount, credit prescreen module 140 will
utilize the
user's credit information provided by credit reporting agency 141 in
conjunction with the
minimum credit amount requirement to determine if the user is reasonably
likely to receive an
acceptable credit line if approved upon application for credit.
[0053] If the user does not pass the prescreen, the digitally redeemable
incentive 145 is provided
to the user's mobile device and no further action is taken by mobile credit
acquisition system
100. Thus, regardless of whether or not the user passes the prescreen, the
incentive 145 is
provided to the user.
[0054] In one embodiment, if the user does pass the credit prescreen then new
credit account 150
provides an offer for a credit account to the user's mobile device. In one
embodiment, new
credit account 150 populates the offer for a credit account as shown in Figure
3D. That is, credit
account 150 will place the user specific information provided by the user
specific information
engine 120 into the forms that are provided to the user's mobile device. By
populating the forms
prior to presenting them to the user, the abandonment rate will be improved as
the acceptance
16
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
=,*
,
process will be shortened due to the pre-filling of the customer's information
into the acceptance
forms.
[0055] In one embodiment, the pre-approved credit offer is provided in
conjunction with the
digitally redeemable incentive 145. In one embodiment, an additional incentive
offer is also
provided to the user, wherein the additional incentive becomes available after
the user
successfully completes the pre-approved credit offer.
[0056] If the user does not respond to the new credit account offer, then no
further action is
taken by mobile credit acquisition system 100.
[0057] However, if the user does accept the new credit account offer, then
credit account
generator 160 generates a new credit account and provides the incentive and
credit account 170.
That is, credit account generator 160 provides a digital credit account
identifier at the mobile
device after the user successfully completes the pre-approved credit offer. In
one embodiment,
the digital credit account identifier is instantly available to be used as a
form of payment.
Additional details regarding the digital credit account identifier are shown
and described with
reference to Figures 3A through 3D herein.
[0058] With reference now to Figure 2A, a flowchart 200 of a method for mobile
credit
acquisition is shown in accordance with an embodiment. Figures 3A through 3D
are also
utilized to provide clarity and support for the discussion of flowchart 200.
Figure 3A is a block
diagram 300 of a mobile credit acquisition as viewed on a user's mobile device
shown in
accordance with an embodiment. Figure 3B is a block diagram of a mobile direct
credit
17
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
application as viewed on a user's mobile device, in accordance with an
embodiment. Figure 3C
is a block diagram 350 of another embodiment for mobile credit acquisition as
viewed on a
user's mobile device is shown in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 3D is a
block diagram
of an embodiment for mobile credit acquisition having prepopulated form
information as viewed
on a user's mobile device. Although the interactions between user's mobile
device and the
offeror are shown in the format of text messages, it should be appreciated
that the interactions
may be made via one or more of: a beacon broadcast, WiFi broadcast, email,
text, SMS, social
media alert, app alert, or the like.
[0059] With reference now to 210 of Figure 2A, one embodiment deploys offer
105. One
embodiment deploys the offer 105 in a physical location within a retail store
such as shown and
described with reference to Figure 4 herein. In another embodiment, offer 105
is provided to the
user's mobile device when a location of the user's mobile device is in
proximity to a retail store.
In one embodiment, offer 105 may be an incentive of a reward of some kind, an
opportunity or
an incentive to open a credit account with the retailer, or the like.
[0060] For example, offer 105 is distributed on a physical item such as a
poster, or the like that
includes a visual code such as a barcode, a QR code, a number to text, an
email address to reply
to, or the like. In another embodiment, offer 105 is received by the user's
mobile device, e.g.,
via a beacon broadcast, WiFi broadcast, email, text, SMS, social media alert,
app alert, or the
like. In yet another embodiment, offer 105 is provided by an app on the user's
mobile device
that will present offer 105 once the mobile device is within a certain
vicinity of the store
providing the offer.
18
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
[0061] With reference now to 220 of Figure 2A, one embodiment receives a
device identifier
associated with a user's mobile device, the receiving in response to a user
responding
electronically to the offer on the user's mobile device. Device ID 116 may be
the mobile
device's phone number, SIM card integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID),
unique device
identifier (UDID), or the like.
[0062] For example, as shown in Figure 3A at 305 the user receives an offer
105 that requests a
text be sent to 123 to receive the incentive. At 310 when the user texts
"offer" to 123, the user's
device ID 116 will be available.
[0063] With reference now to 230 of Figure 2A, one embodiment receives a user
identifier for
the user. User ID 118 may be the user's zip code, social security number or
portion thereof,
driver's license number or portion thereof, or the like.
[0064] For example, as shown in Figure 3A at 315 the user receives a response
that includes a
URL. When the user clicks on the link, the user is led to a company page 320
that asks the user
to provide a user ID 118. In one embodiment, the company page 320 is a web
page, a micro
page or the like. After the user submits a response to page 320, the user ID
will be received. In
one embodiment, the response will be a providing of the zip code associated
with the user of the
mobile device.
[0065] In another example, as shown in Figure 3B when the offer is to apply
for a credit account,
at 315 the user receives a response that includes a URL. When the user clicks
on the link, the
19
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
user is led to a company page 331 that asks the user to provide a zip code and
a last four of a
social security number as the user ID 118. Although the last four of a social
is shown as the user
ID 118, it should be understood that the user ID 118 may be something other
than the last four of
a social security number, such as user's zip code, entire or a different
portion of a social security
number, the driver's license number or portion thereof, or the like; that is
used to identify a
specific user.
[0066] In another embodiment, 220 and 230 of Figure 2A may be performed in a
single step,
such as shown in Figure 3C. For example, at 355 of Figure 3C, the offer asks
the user to send
her zip code as the initial response to receive the incentive. At 360, when
the user sends the zip
code, both the user ID 118 and the device ID 116, will be received. That is,
in a single response
from the user accepting the incentive offer.
Customer Information Acquisition
[0067] With reference now to 240 of Figure 2A and as shown and expanded in the
flowchart 275
of Figure 2B, e.g., a method for utilizing the device identifier and the user
identifier to obtain
user specific information, one embodiment utilizes device ID 116 and user ID
118 to obtain user
specific information useable for a credit prescreen and/or to prepopulate an
electronic form such
as a credit application. In general, user specific information could be one or
more of: a name and
full or partial address, a driver's license number, a social security number,
or the like.
[0068] As shown at 241 of Figure 2B, user specific information engine 120 may
access one or
more of a plurality of different search locations via the cloud 126. An
example of cloud 126 is a
network such as the Internet, local area network (LAN), wide area network
(WAN), or the like.
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
[0069] As described at 242 of Figure 2B, one embodiment uses the device ID 116
and user ID
118 information to perform a proprietary search 5 of a proprietary database
16. In general, the
proprietary database 16 may be one or more databases that store a company's
private database
such as an Alliance Data Legacy database or the like. Proprietary database 16
will include user
specific information for customers that have existing accounts with the
company, have
previously applied for an account, or the like.
[0070] With reference now to 243 of Figure 2B, in one embodiment, user
specific information
that is found in the proprietary database 16 will be verified using a
confidence factor threshold.
For example, a confidence factor determination will be made by looking at the
returned records
to determine a confidence value. For example, if only one record is found and
it is 5 days old,
the confidence in the found records would likely be below the confidence value
threshold. In
contrast, if 2 years of records are found, records such as prior accounts,
present accounts,
memberships, rewards information, and the like, then the confidence value in
the user specific
information found in the records would be above the confidence factor
threshold. If the user
specific information does pass the confidence threshold, then the user
specific information is
returned via return information 12 to user specific info obtainer 120 and then
passed on to
incentive provider 130 as discussed and shown in Figure 1A.
[0071] With reference now to 245 of Figure 2B, if the user specific
information cannot be found
on the proprietary database, or if the user specific information found does
not overcome the
confidence factor threshold, one embodiment uses the user ID 118 and device ID
116
information to perform a search of a secondary source database 26. Examples of
secondary
21
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
source databases include Internet engines such as Google, Equifax, Experian,
Yahoo, and the
like. In one embodiment, the user specific information may be obtained by
performing an
internet search with the user ID 118 and the device ID 116. For example, the
search may include
social media sites, search engines, online public records, and the like.
[0072] As shown at 247 of Figure 2B, in one embodiment the user specific
information is
provided via return information 12 to user specific info obtainer 120 and then
passed on to
incentive provider 130 as discussed herein and shown in Figure 1A.
[0073] In one embodiment, if no user specific information is found by
secondary source engine
28, or if the user specific information found does not reach the threshold of
the confidence factor,
the user specific info obtainer 120 will receive a return empty 39.
[0074] With reference now to 250 of Figure 2A, one embodiment utilizes user
specific
information to perform a credit prescreen. In one embodiment, the prescreen is
performed at a
credit reporting agency 141. However, in another embodiment, the prescreen may
not be
performed at a credit reporting agency but will instead be based on other
aspects, such as, but not
limited to, the user's mobile carrier account history, the user's home
ownership and the like. For
example, if a user is identified as being a home owner, the offer of credit
may be provided
without need of a prescreen being performed at a credit reporting agency.
[0075] Referring now to 260 of Figure 2A, one embodiment provides the
incentive to the user's
mobile device. For example, at 328 of Figure 3A, the user receives the 10% off
offer. Similarly,
in Figure 3C, if the user is not pre-approved 365 then at 370 the user
receives the 10% offer.
22
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
Although the offer is shown as being 10% off, that is merely for purposes of
clarity. The offer
may be any of the types such as described in conjunction with Figures IA and
B.
[0076] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3B, if the offer is to open a
credit account then
the user will be presented with a screen 332 that includes the found
information being presented
to the user. The user can confirm that the information is correct and that
information will then be
used to prepopulate the forms at page 335 as described herein.
[0077] With reference now to 270 of Figure 2A, if the user does pass a credit
prescreen, one
embodiment provides a pre-approved credit offer to the user via the user's
mobile device in
conjunction with the incentive. For example, at 330 of Figure 3A, the user
receives the 10% off
offer and also receives a pre-approved credit offer at the user's mobile
device.
[0078] In addition, one embodiment provides an additional incentive offer to
the user, the
additional incentive available when the user successfully completes the pre-
approved credit
offer. For example, as shown in 380 of Figure 3C, the user receives the 10%
off offer and also
receives an additional incentive provided with the offer for the pre-approved
credit account at the
mobile device. In one embodiment, the additional incentive becoming available
after the user
successfully completes the pre-approved credit offer.
[0079] In one embodiment as shown in Figure 3C, offer 105 is only for a credit
account. That is,
instead of providing an offer for a reward and then performing a prescreen,
the user may initially
text for the credit account offer. In so doing, there will likely be fewer
steps involved than those
discussed above. Thus, looking at Figure 3C, there would be no initial offer
provided to the
23
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
mobile device but instead after the user texted the user ID 118 (at which time
the device ID 116
would also be acquired) as shown in 355 and 360, the prescreen would occur and
the user would
not see screen 380. If the prescreen was successful and the user did meet the
prescreen
requirements, the flow would jump over 380 and straight to 335 were the user
would be able to
begin the application process.
[0080] With reference now to Figure 3D the flow of 335 is shown in additional
detail. In one
embodiment when the user accepts the pre-approved credit offer, the user is
directed to a credit
application acceptance page(s). In one embodiment, credit application
information is pre-filled
with the information previously obtained as shown at screen shots 337-339.
[0081] In general, screen shot 337 is pre-filled with the information obtained
by user specific
info obtainer 120. That is, the information such as name, address, city,
state, phone number,
email and the like, would be prefilled. Thus, instead of having to type in the
information, the
user would simply verify that the information is correct and make any changes
accordingly.
Similarly, if some of the information was missing, the user would be able to
fill in only the
missing portions without having to complete the entire form. Thus, the user
would see a
significant number of keystroke reduction in the pre-filled forms which would
increase
throughput, decrease frustration and the time needed to fill out the forms.
[0082] Once verified, the user would go to next screen shot 338 where
additional application
information would be needed. In screen shot 338, the information includes last
4 of ssn, date of
birth, and income. However, it should be appreciated that the information on
either of screen
shot 337, 338 or 339 may be different, to include less, additional, or other
information.
24
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
[0083] Once the user had completed filling out the information on screen shot
338 (some of
which may also be auto-filled depending upon the information requested), the
user would hit the
next button and then be provided with the terms and conditions as shown in
screen shot 339. In
one embodiment, the terms and conditions would include a signature portion.
Once the user
signed and submitted the terms and conditions screen shot 339, the user would
then be presented
with the new account information as described in 340.
[0084] With reference now to 340 of Figures 3A and 3C, one embodiment provides
a digital
credit account identifier 344 to the user's mobile device when the user
successfully completes
the pre-approved credit offer, the digital credit account identifier 344
instantly available to be
used as a form of payment. For example, the digital credit account identifier
344 received at the
mobile device may be a QR code, bar code, digital image of a credit card, or
other type of
identifier for providing credit account information digitally to a POS.
[0085] One example of a digital credit account identifier 344 may be a
temporary shopping pass
which may include: the user's name, credit limit, store card account number,
terms of use for the
temporary shopping pass, a rotating GIF to prevent screenshots from being
accepted at POS, a
banner asking customer to present their ID to the associate to use the
temporary account, or the
like.
[0086] Thus, by prescreening the user and providing an offer to apply for
store credit only to a
prequalified user, the concern of embarrassing the user due to denial of
credit is reduced.
Moreover, by providing the offer to the user on the user's mobile device, the
store can move the
interaction and offer away from the register area.
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
[0087] Referring now to Figure 4, a top plan view of a retail store 400 is
shown in accordance
with an embodiment. In general, retail store 400 is any physical brick and
mortar store that
provides goods for sale at the store location. In one embodiment, retail store
400 includes an
entrance 412. In addition, in different embodiments and configurations, retail
store 400 can
include one or more of, offer 105, geo-fence 405, beacons 410-1 through 410-n,
point of sale
(POS) 430
[0088] In one embodiment, the offer 105 may be provided based on a location of
a user as
determined by the user's mobile device 420. For example, if the location of
the offer 105 is
static, such as by the entrance 412 to retail store 400, then when the user's
mobile device 420
utilizes information found in offer 105, it would be likely that the user is
located near retail store
400. For example, the offer 105 may be a physical item such as a poster, or
the like and include
a visual code such as a barcode, QR code, or the like. As such, offer 105 may
be scanned to be
redeemed.
[0089] Similarly, if the offer is provided via a beacon such as one or more of
beacons 410-1
through 410-n the user's mobile device 420 would have to be near, or in range
of, the beacon
broadcasting the offer. In another example, the offer is provided by an
application on the user's
mobile device 420 after the user enters into the area defined by geo-fence
405. In yet another
embodiment, the offer is provided on the user's mobile device 420 when a
location capability of
the user's mobile device determines that the user's mobile device 420 is
located near retail store
400. In general, near retail store 400 refers to a location such as, within
the bounds of the store,
26
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
within a few yards of the store, within the mall in which store 400 is
located, within a beacon or
WiFi broadcast range of store 400, or within a block of retail store 400.
[0090] For purposes of the present discussion, the mobile device location
service, can be, but is
not limited to, GPS, WiFi, cellular service, beacon derived location
determination and the like.
Moreover, the location determined by the mobile device location service may be
useful even at
differing levels of accuracy. For example, a GPS enabled mobile device 420 can
provide
location information that is accurate to within a few meters while a cellular
service, beacon or
WiFi location capabilities of mobile device 420 can provide a location radius
or location area.
For example, the mobile device 420 being located within range of a beacon,
within the
overlapping area of a number of cellular service towers, etc.
[0091] For purposes of the discussion, geo-fence 405 refers to a virtual
perimeter defining a real-
world geographic area. Moreover, geo-fence 405 can be created by various
means, one of which
includes the use of beacons. For example, in Figure 4, geo-fence 405 is a
rectangle created by
the locations of beacons 410-1, 410-2, 410-3, and 410-n. However, it should be
appreciated that
a beacon established geo-fence 405 can be any shape based on the number and
location of
beacons used to generate the geo-fence 405.
[0092] In general, the one or more of beacons 410-1 through 410-n are devices
that are
configured to be communicatively coupled with user's mobile device 420, such
as via near field
communication (NFC), Bluetooth, WiFi, or the like. In one embodiment, one or
more of
beacons 410-1 through 410-n is an iBeaconTM, which is an indoor positioning
system from
27
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
Apple Inc. For example, the iBeacon is a low-powered, low-cost transmitter
that can notify
nearby iOS and/or Android devices of their presence. Although an iBeacon is
provided as a
specific example, the beacons are not limited to only that brand. Different
beacons from other
companies would also likely be acceptable.
[0093] Additionally, user's mobile device 420 can be enabled to look for the
transmission of one
or more of beacons 410-1 through 410-n. When user's mobile device 420 is
within physical
proximity to the beacon and detects it, the application can notify the user of
the offer.
[0094] For example, the offer 105 may be provided to user's mobile device 420
while the user is
within retail store 400 such as after the user enters geo-fence 405. In
general, the offer 105 may
be delivered via, a text message, e-mail, push message, other type of in App
display, or the like.
As described herein, the offer provides an opportunity for the user to receive
an incentive.
[0095] Retail store 400 include a point of sale (POS) 430, and optionally one
or more of a static
offer 105, a geo-fence 405, and one or more of beacons 410-1 through 410-n. In
one instance,
the user's mobile device 420 may include a retail store 400 application but
may not have a credit
account therewith.
Example Computer System Environment
[0096] With reference now to Figure 5, portions of the technology for
providing a
communication composed of computer-readable and computer-executable
instructions that
reside, for example, in non-transitory computer-readable storage media of a
computer system.
28
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
That is, Figure 5 illustrates one example of a type of computer that can be
used to implement
embodiments of the present technology. Figure 5 represents a system or
components that may be
used in conjunction with aspects of the present technology. In one embodiment,
some or all of
the components described herein may be combined with some or all of the
components of Figure
to practice the present technology.
[0097] Figure 5 illustrates an example computer system 500 used in accordance
with
embodiments of the present technology. It is appreciated that system 500 of
Figure 5 is an
example only and that the present technology can operate on or within a number
of different
computer systems including general purpose networked computer systems,
embedded computer
systems, routers, switches, server devices, user devices, various intermediate
devices/artifacts,
stand-alone computer systems, mobile phones, personal data assistants,
televisions and the like.
As shown in Figure 5, computer system 500 of Figure 5 is well adapted to
having peripheral
computer readable media 502 such as, for example, a disk, a compact disc, a
flash drive, and the
like coupled thereto.
[0098] Computer system 500 of Figure 5 includes an address/data/control bus
504 for
communicating information, and a processor 506A coupled to bus 504 for
processing
information and instructions. As depicted in Figure 5, system 500 is also well
suited to a multi-
processor environment in which a plurality of processors 506A, 506B, and 506C
are present.
Conversely, system 500 is also well suited to having a single processor such
as, for example,
processor 506A. Processors 506A, 506B, and 506C may be any of various types of
microprocessors. Computer system 500 also includes data storage features such
as a computer
29
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
usable volatile memory 508, e.g., random access memory (RAM), coupled to bus
504 for storing
information and instructions for processors 506A, 506B, and 506C.
[0099] System 500 also includes computer usable non-volatile memory 510, e.g.,
read only
memory (ROM), coupled to bus 504 for storing static information and
instructions for processors
506A, 506B, and 506C. Also present in system 500 is a data storage unit 512
(e.g., a magnetic
disk drive, optical disk drive, solid state drive (SSD), and the like) coupled
to bus 504 for storing
information and instructions. Computer system 500 also includes an optional
alpha-numeric
input device 514 including alphanumeric and function keys coupled to bus 504
for
communicating information and command selections to processor 506A or
processors 506A,
506B, and 506C. Computer system 500 also includes an optional cursor control
device 516
coupled to bus 504 for communicating user input information and command
selections to
processor 506A or processors 506A, 506B, and 506C. Optional cursor control
device may be a
touch sensor, gesture recognition device, and the like. Computer system 500 of
the present
embodiment also includes an optional display device 518 coupled to bus 504 for
displaying
information.
[00100] Referring still to Figure 5, optional display device 518 of Figure 5
may be a liquid
crystal device, cathode ray tube, OLED, plasma display device or other display
device suitable
for creating graphic images and alpha-numeric characters recognizable to a
user. Optional cursor
control device 516 allows the computer user to dynamically signal the movement
of a visible
symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device 518. Many
implementations of cursor
control device 516 are known in the art including a trackball, mouse, touch
pad, joystick, non-
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
contact input, gesture recognition, voice commands, bio recognition, and the
like. In addition,
special keys on alpha-numeric input device 514 capable of signaling movement
of a given
direction or manner of displacement. Alternatively, it will be appreciated
that a cursor can be
directed and/or activated via input from alpha-numeric input device 514 using
special keys and
key sequence commands.
[00101] System 500 is also well suited to having a cursor directed by other
means such as, for
example, voice commands. Computer system 500 also includes an I/O device 520
for coupling
system 500 with external entities. For example, in one embodiment, I/O device
520 is a modem
for enabling wired or wireless communications between system 500 and an
external network
such as, but not limited to, the Internet or intranet. A more detailed
discussion of the present
technology is found below.
1001021 Referring still to Figure 5, various other components are depicted for
system 500.
Specifically, when present, an operating system 522, applications 524, modules
526, and data
528 are shown as typically residing in one or some combination of computer
usable volatile
memory 508, e.g. random access memory (RAM), and data storage unit 512.
However, it is
appreciated that in some embodiments, operating system 522 may be stored in
other locations
such as on a network or on a flash drive; and that further, operating system
522 may be accessed
from a remote location via, for example, a coupling to the internet. In one
embodiment, the
present technology, for example, is stored as an application 524 or module 526
in memory
locations within RAM 508 and memory areas within data storage unit 512. The
present
technology may be applied to one or more elements of described system 500.
31
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
[00103] System 500 also includes one or more signal generating and receiving
device(s) 530
coupled with bus 504 for enabling system 500 to interface with other
electronic devices and
computer systems. Signal generating and receiving device(s) 530 of the present
embodiment may
include wired serial adaptors, modems, and network adaptors, wireless modems,
and wireless
network adaptors, and other such communication technology. The signal
generating and
receiving device(s) 530 may work in conjunction with one or more communication
interface(s)
532 for coupling information to and/or from system 500. Communication
interface 532 may
include a serial port, parallel port, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet
port, Bluetooth,
thunderbolt, near field communications port, WiFi, Cellular modem, or other
input/output
interface. Communication interface 532 may physically, electrically,
optically, or wirelessly
(e.g., via radio frequency) couple computer system 500 with another device,
such as a mobile
phone, radio, or computer system.
[00104] The computing system 500 is only one example of a suitable computing
environment
and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or
functionality of the present
technology. Neither should the computing environment be interpreted as having
any dependency
or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in
the example
computing system 500.
[00105] The present technology may be described in the general context of
computer-
executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a
computer. Generally,
program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data
structures, etc., that
32
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The
present technology may
also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are
performed by remote
processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a
distributed
computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote
computer-
storage media including memory-storage devices.
[00106] The foregoing Description of Embodiments is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit
the embodiments to the precise form described. Instead, example embodiments in
this
Description of Embodiments have been presented in order to enable persons of
skill in the art to
make and use embodiments of the described subject matter. Moreover, various
embodiments
have been described in various combinations. However, any two or more
embodiments may be
combined. Although some embodiments have been described in a language specific
to structural
features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject
matter defined in the
appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above.
Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed by way of
illustration and as
example forms of implementing the claims and their equivalents.
[00107] All elements, parts and steps described herein are preferably
included. It is to be
understood that any of these elements, parts and steps may be replaced by
other elements, parts
and steps or deleted altogether as will be obvious to those skilled in the
art.
[00108] Broadly, this writing discloses at least the following: Mobile credit
acquisition with
form population is disclosed. The system includes a user specific information
engine to receive a
device identifier associated with a user's mobile device and a user identifier
for a user of the
33
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
user's mobile device. The user specific information engine using the device
identifier and the
user identifier to search for user specific information useable to populate an
application form for
a credit account. The search includes a proprietary database search for the
user specific
information, and a secondary source database search for the user specific
information. The
system utilizes an incentive provider to populate the application form for the
credit account with
found user specific information and provides the populated application form
for the credit
account to the user via the user's mobile device.
34
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
This writing also presents at least the following concepts:
1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions
embodied
therein that when executed cause a computer system to perform a method for
mobile credit
acquisition with form population, the method comprising:
receiving a device identifier associated with a user's mobile device, said
receiving in
response to a user responding to a credit account offer via said user's mobile
device;
receiving a user identifier for said user;
utilizing the device identifier and the user identifier for obtaining a user
specific
information useable for populating an application form for said credit account
offer, said
obtaining the user specific information comprising:
performing a proprietary database search for the user specific information;
and
returning found user specific information, wherein if no user specific
information
is found;
performing a secondary source database search for the user specific
information;
returning found user specific information; and
utilizing the found user specific information to prepopulate an application
form for said
credit account offer to be presented to said user via said user's mobile
device.
2. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of Concept 1, wherein
performing the proprietary database search comprises:
searching one or more databases from the group consisting of: a company
specific
database, and a shared customer database.
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
3. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of Concept 1, wherein
if said
user specific information is found during the performing of the proprietary
database search, the
method further comprises:
utilizing a confidence factor threshold to validate said user specific
information, such that
only user specific information above said confidence factor threshold is
utilized to populate the
application form.
4. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of Concept 3, wherein
if said
user specific information is found during the performing of the proprietary
database search is
below said confidence factor threshold, the method further comprises:
attempting to validate the user specific information obtained from the
proprietary
database search, such that only validated user specific information is
utilized to populate the
application form.
5. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of Concept 1, wherein
performing the secondary source database search comprises:
searching a reverse phone number look up database.
6. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of Concept 1, wherein
performing the secondary source database search comprises:
searching one or more databases from the group consisting of: a social media
site, a
search engine, an online public record storage, and an online private record
storage.
36
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
7. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of Concept 1 further
comprising:
receiving both said user identifier and said device identifier in a single
message from said
user's mobile device.
8. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of Concept 1 further
comprising:
receiving at least two user identifiers in a single message from said user's
mobile device.
9. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of Concept 1, further
comprising:
performing a credit prescreen with the user specific information at a credit
reporting
agency.
10. A mobile credit acquisition with form population system comprising:
a user specific information engine to receive a device identifier associated
with a user's
mobile device and a user identifier for a user of said user's mobile device;
the user specific information engine to use the device identifier and the user
identifier to
search for a user specific information useable to populate an application form
for a credit
account, said search comprising:
a proprietary database search for the user specific information, wherein if no
user
specific information is found;
a secondary source database search for the user specific information; and
an incentive provider to populate the application form for said credit account
with
a found user specific information and provide the populated application form
for said
credit account to said user via said user's mobile device.
37
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
,
11. The system of Concept 10 wherein the proprietary database search
comprises:
a company specific database; and
a shared customer database.
12. The system of Concept 10 further comprising:
a confidence factor threshold to validate the found user specific information,
such that
only found user specific information above said confidence factor threshold is
utilized to
populate the application form.
13. The system of Concept 10 further comprising:
a validation database to validate the user specific information obtained from
the
proprietary database search, such that only validated user specific
information is utilized to
populate the application form.
14. The system of Concept 10 wherein said secondary source database is a
reverse phone
number look up database.
15. The system of Concept 10 wherein said secondary source database search
comprises
one or more databases from the group consisting of: a social media site, a
search engine, an
online public record storage, and an online private record storage.
38
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
16. The system of Concept 10 wherein the device identifier is a user's mobile
device
phone number and the user identifier is a user's zip code.
17. The system of Concept 10 wherein the user specific information is selected
from the
group consisting of at least two of: a name, at least a partial address, a
driver's license number,
and a social security number.
18. The system of Concept 10 wherein both said user identifier and said device
identifier
is provided in a single message from said user's mobile device.
19. A non-transitory computer-implemented method for mobile credit acquisition
with
form population, the method comprising:
responding electronically to a credit account offer via a mobile device;
providing a zip code associated with a user of the mobile device in said
responding; and
receiving a populated credit offer form at said mobile device, where the
populated credit
offer form includes more user specific information than what was initially
provided.
20. The non-transitory computer-implemented method of Concept 19, wherein the
user
specific information is selected from the group consisting of at least two of:
a name, at least a
portion of an address, a driver's license number, and a social security
number.
39
CA 2974817 2017-07-28
