Abstract:
A device with one or more processors, memory, and two or more communication capabilities obtains, from a payment module, an authorization request via a first communication capability (e.g., Bluetooth). The device sends, to a server, the authorization request via a second communication capability distinct from the first communication capability (e.g., cellular or WiFi technology). In response to sending the authorization request, the device obtains, from the server, authorization information via the second communication capability. After obtaining the authorization information, the device detects a trigger condition to perform a transaction with a payment accepting unit associated with the payment module. In response to detecting the trigger condition, the device sends, to the payment module, at least a portion of the authorization information via the first communication capability.
Abstract:
A mobile device with a first transceiver, a second transceiver, one or more processors, and memory bridges communications between an offline retail machine with a short-range communication capability and a remote server by obtaining via the first transceiver a single-use request code from an information packet broadcast by the offline retail machine; transmitting via the second transceiver the single-use request code to a remote server; obtaining via the second transceiver from the remote server a grant token including the single-use request code; detecting a trigger condition for initiating provision of a product or service by the offline retail machine; and in response to detecting the trigger condition, initiating performance of the provision of the product or service by transmitting the grant token to the offline retail machine via the first transceiver.
Abstract:
An electronic device comprising: one or more processors; a radio transceiver; memory storing a unique serial number identifying the electronic device; pairing circuitry configured to communicatively couple, using the radio transceiver, the electronic device with an external device distinct from the electronic device; first electronic circuitry configured to perform a plurality of operations of the electronic device; and activation circuitry configured to activate and deactivate the first electronic circuitry; wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to (i) detect, using the pairing circuitry, a successful pairing of the electronic device with a first external device; and (ii) in accordance with the detection of the successful pairing, activate, using the activation circuitry, the first electronic circuitry.
Abstract:
A controlled dispensing fixture including a display screen, a scanning device, and one or more processors is configured to: obtain via the display screen or remote scanner a selection of one or more controlled products; update a user interface on the display screen based on the selection; determine whether the one or more controlled products meet a purchase limit associated with the one or more controlled products for dispensing; obtain via the scanning device consumer identification information; determine whether the consumer identification information meets an age threshold and/or an identity requirement associated with the one or more controlled products; and in accordance with a determination that (i) the one or more controlled products meet the purchase limit for dispensing, and (ii) the consumer identification information meets the age threshold and/or the identity requirement, transmit a dispensing instruction to the dispensing fixture to dispense the one or more controlled products.
Abstract:
System and methods are disclosed for interactions with unattended retail machines (“URMs”) using detectable trigger conditions and limited-scope authorization grants. An exemplary method is performed at a mobile device and includes: receiving, via a communications unit, a broadcasted signal from an electronic payment device coupled with an URM. The broadcasted signal includes a request to authorize funds that are associated with a user of the mobile device for use at the URM. The method further includes: (i) sending the request to a server via the communications unit, (ii) receiving, from the server, an authorization grant (e.g., the grant expires if predetermined criteria are satisfied), and (iii) detecting a trigger condition to initiate a cashless transaction with the URM. In accordance with a determination that the predetermined criteria haven't been satisfied, the method includes: initiating the cashless transaction with the URM by sending the authorization grant to the electronic payment device.
Abstract:
A mobile device with a display, processor(s), and memory: displays promotional offers; detects a user input selecting one of the promotional offers; and initiates performance of a transaction with an automatic retail machine to purchase a product stocked by the automatic retail machine. The mobile device also: receives a transaction completion notification from the payment module indicating that the product corresponding to the selected promotional offer was vended by the automatic retail machine; and, in response to receiving the transaction completion notification, provides a prompt to the user of the mobile device to obtain a product code for the vended product to validate the promotional offer. The mobile device further: obtains the product code for the vended product; transmits the product code to the server; and, in response: receives promotion validation information from the server; and displays the promotion validation information indicating whether the respective promotion offer was validated.
Abstract:
A device with one or more processors, memory, and two or more communication capabilities obtains, from a payment module, advertised information via a first communication capability (e.g., BLE), where the advertised information at least includes status information indicating one or more states of at least one of a payment module and a payment accepting unit (e.g., an automatic retailing machine for dispensing goods and/or services) associated with the payment module. The device sends, to a server, at least the status information from the advertised information via a second communication capability (e.g., GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, etc.) distinct from the first communication capability.
Abstract:
Described herein is a mobile-device-to-machine payment system and method for facilitating a cashless transaction for purchase of at least one product or service by a user from a payment accepting unit.