METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING CASHBACK AT A MERCHANT

OUTLET

TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0001] The present invention generally relates to data processing and more particularly to a method and system for facilitating cashback at a merchant outlet.

BACKGROUND:

[0002] Customers visit many merchant outlets to buy products or services. Some merchant outlets provide discounts and offers for purchases made. However, such discounts and offers are provided only at certain times in the year and not for every purchase. The offers and discounts are further just deals and the customers might end up purchasing more in order to only avail the deals. Moreover, it is determined that customer satisfaction is high only when the customers receive the discounts and offers and not otherwise.

SUMMARY:

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0004] An example of a method of facilitating cashback at a merchant outlet includes receiving, by a cashback processing system, payment information associated with at least one product or service purchased at the merchant outlet by a customer. The payment information is uploaded by one of a merchant and the customer in response to the customer making a direct payment at the merchant outlet. The method also includes detecting, by the cashback processing system, a commission offered by the merchant outlet based on the payment information. Further, the method includes determining, by the cashback processing system, the cashback based on the commission offered by the merchant outlet and the payment information. Moreover, the method includes initiating, by the cashback processing system, payment of the cashback to the customer at the merchant outlet.

[0005] An example of a cashback processing system for facilitating cashback at a merchant outlet includes a communication interface in electronic communication with one or more devices. The cashback processing system also includes a memory that stores instructions. The cashback processing system further includes a processor responsive to the instructions to receive payment information associated with at least one product or service purchased at the merchant outlet by a customer. The payment information is uploaded by one of a merchant and the customer in response to the customer making a direct payment at the merchant outlet. The processor is further responsive to the instructions to detect a commission offered by the merchant outlet based on the payment information and to determine the cashback based on the commission offered by the merchant outlet and the payment information. The processor is further responsive to the instructions to initiate payment of the cashback to the customer at the merchant outlet.

[0006] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon, a set of computer-executable instructions causing a computer comprising one or more processors to perform steps including receiving payment information associated with at least one product or service purchased at the merchant outlet by a customer The payment information is uploaded by one of a merchant and the customer in response to the customer making a direct payment at the merchant outlet. The set of computer-executable instructions further cause one or more processors to perform steps including detecting a commission offered by the merchant outlet based on the payment information, and determining the cashback based on the commission offered by the merchant outlet and the payment information. Moreover, the set of computer-executable instructions further cause one or more processors to perform steps including initiating payment of the cashback to the customer at the merchant outlet.

[0007] To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:

[0008] The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[009] FIG. 1 is an example representation of a system, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method of facilitating cashback at a merchant outlet, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0011] FIGS. 3 A to 3F illustrate an example representation of facilitating cashback at a merchant outlet, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0013] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0014] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. [0015] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0016] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0019] FIG. 1 is an example representation of a system 100, in accordance with an embodiment. The system 100 includes a customer device 105 of a customer, a merchant device 110 of a merchant, a network 115, and a cashback processing system 120. The cashback processing system 120 communicates with the customer device 105 and the merchant device 110. In some embodiments, the cashback processing system 120 is a server. The customer device 105 and the merchant device 110 can communicate with the cashback processing system 120 through the network 115. Examples of the customer device 105 and the merchant device 110 include, but are not limited to, computers, mobile devices, tablets, laptops, palmtops, handheld devices, telecommunication devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like. Examples of the network 115 include, but are not limited to, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), internet, a Small Area Network (SAN), and the like.

[0020] The customer enters a merchant outlet and proceeds to make a purchase of at least one product or service. The customer reaches a billing counter at the merchant outlet and makes a direct payment to the merchant based on a bill that is generated at the billing counter. Some examples of the direct payment include, but are not limited to, a cash payment and a digital wallet payment. Payment information associated with the at least one product or service of the customer is uploaded by either the merchant or the customer. Examples of the payment information include, but are not limited to, at least one of a customer mobile number and bill amount.

[0021] In some embodiments, the payment information is uploaded by the merchant on a member portal using the merchant device 110. In other embodiments, the payment information is uploaded by the customer through an application programming interface (API) on the customer device 105.

[0022] The cashback processing system 120 receives the payment information associated with the at least one product or service. The cashback processing system 120 detects a commission offered by the merchant outlet based on the payment information. The cashback processing system 120 further determines the cashback based on the commission offered by the merchant outlet and the payment information. The cashback processing system 120 initiates payment of the cashback to the customer at the merchant outlet.

[0023] Following are some brief example representations of the system 100. In a first example, the customer uses a mobile application associated with the cashback processing system 120 and scans encoded information, for example a quick response (QR) code, using the customer device 105 at the billing counter, after making the direct payment to the merchant. The payment information is provided by the customer and in response the cashback processing system 120 generates a one-time password (OTP) and sends the OTP to the merchant. The merchant shares the OTP with the customer and an authorization process is carried out in order to enable the customer to receive the cashback instantly.

[0024] In a second example, the merchant uploads the payment information of multiple customers on the merchant portal. The cashback processing system 120 processes cashbacks for the multiple customers in bulk simultaneously.

[0025] In a third example, the payment information is uploaded by the merchant using the merchant device 110, for example a point-of-sale device, through an application programming interface (API). The cashback processing system 120 receives the payment information and processes the cashback for the customer instantly. An example representation of facilitating the cashback at the merchant outlet is explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3F.

[0026] An example method of facilitating the cashback at the merchant outlet is explained with reference to FIG. 2.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method 200 for facilitating cashback at a merchant outlet, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0028] At step 205, the method 200 includes receiving, by a cashback processing system, for example the cashback processing system 120 of FIG. 1, payment information associated with at least one product or service purchased at a merchant outlet by a customer. The payment information is uploaded by one of a merchant and the customer in response to the customer making a direct payment at the merchant outlet. Examples of the payment information include, but are not limited to, at least one of a customer mobile number and bill amount.

[0029] The payment information associated with the at least one product or service of the customer is uploaded by either the merchant or the customer. In some embodiments, the payment information is uploaded by the customer on a mobile application in the customer device, for example the customer device 105 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the payment information is uploaded by the merchant on a member portal using the merchant device, for example the merchant device 110 of FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the payment information is uploaded by the merchant using the merchant device through an application programming interface (API).

[0030] At step 210, the method 200 includes detecting, by the cashback processing system, a commission offered by the merchant outlet based on the payment information. The merchant outlet may have signed up with the cashback processing system to provide the commission to customers. Once the cashback processing system receives the payment information, a commission offered by the merchant outlet is detected. In an example, a commission of 10 percent is offered by the merchant outlet for any purchase made.

[0031] At step 215, the method 200 includes determining, by the cashback processing system, the cashback based on the commission offered by the merchant outlet and the payment information. In an example, if the bill amount is 1000 and the commission offered by the merchant outlet is 10 percent, then a cashback of 100 is determined.

[0032] At step 220, the method 200 includes initiating, by the cashback processing system, payment of the cashback to the customer at the merchant outlet. In some examples, the payment of the cashback can be instantaneous or within a set period of time. In some embodiments, the cashback can be credited to a digital wallet of the customer or to a bank account of the customer.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method 200 includes receiving, by the cashback processing system, decoded information in response to scanning of encoded information by the customer. For example, after the direct payment, the customer uses a mobile application associated with the cashback processing system and scans encoded information, for example a quick response (QR) code or a merchant identification code, using the customer device at a billing counter of the merchant outlet. The cashback processing system receives the decoded information as well as the payment information provided by the customer. In response, a onetime password (OTP) is generated by the cashback processing system. The OTP is sent to the merchant and the merchant shares the OTP with the customer. An authorization process is carried out in which the OTP shared by the merchant is entered in the mobile application and validated. Once validated, the customer receives the cashback instantly.

[0034] In other embodiments, after the direct payment is made to the merchant, the merchant uploads the payment information of multiple customers on the merchant portal. The cashback processing system processes cashbacks for the multiple customers in bulk simultaneously.

[0035] In some other embodiments, after the direct payment is made to the merchant, the payment information is uploaded by the merchant using the merchant device, for example a point-of-sale device, through an application programming interface (API). In such cases, the API of the cashback processing system is integrated with a billing software of the merchant. The cashback processing system receives the payment information and processes the cashback for the customer instantly.

[0036] An example representation of facilitating cashback at the merchant outlet is explained with reference to FIGS. 3 A to 3F.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3A, an example representation 305 of the customer accessing the mobile application on the customer device 105 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment. After making the direct payment to the merchant for at least one product or service purchased, the customer opens the mobile application, associated with the cashback processing system, on the customer device 105, for example a mobile phone. The customer may view a login page to access the mobile application. The login page may include customer id and password fields and the customer can login by providing the customer id and password, if the customer is already a member. However, if the customer is a first-time user, the customer can click on sign up, as shown, and create an account to become a member.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3B, an example representation 310 of the customer accessing the mobile application on the customer device 105 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment. Once the customer provides the customer id and the password on the login page, the customer can click on “pay at merchant outlet” icon after making the direct payment at the merchant outlet. A camera application is opened in order to “scan QR code” at the billing counter, as shown in the example representation 315 of FIG. 3C. Once the QR code is scanned, bill amount is to be entered by the customer, as shown in the example representation 320 of FIG. 3D.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3E, an example representation 325 of the customer accessing the mobile application on the customer device 105 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment. Once the bill amount is received by the cashback processing system, a onetime password (OTP) is generated and sent to the merchant. The merchant shares the OTP with the customer and an authorization process is carried out in order to enable the customer to receive the cashback instantly. A notification can be shown to the customer on the mobile application once the cashback is received, as shown in the example representation 330 of FIG. 3F.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device 400, which is representative of a hardware environment for practicing the present invention. The electronic device 400 can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the electronic device 400 to perform any one or more of the methods disclosed. The electronic device 400 may operate as a standalone device or can be connected, for example using a network, to other electronic devices or peripheral devices.

[0041] In a networked deployment of the present invention, the electronic device 400 may operate in the capacity of a mobile device, for example the customer device 105, the merchant device 110, or the cashback processing system 120 of FIG. 1, in a server-client user network environment. The electronic device 400 can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wireless telephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while a single electronic device 400 is illustrated, the term "device" shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

[0042] The electronic device 400 can include a processor 405, for example a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. The processor 405 can be a component in a variety of systems. For example, the processor 405 can be part of a standard personal computer or a workstation. The processor 405 can be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analyzing and processing data. The processor 405 can implement a software program, such as code generated manually (for example, programmed). [0043] The electronic device 400 can include a memory 410, such as a memory 410 that can communicate via a bus 415. The memory 410 can include a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory 410 can include, but is not limited to, computer readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to, random access memory, read-only memory, programmable readonly memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. In one example, the memory 410 includes a cache or random access memory for the processor 405. In alternative examples, the memory 410 is separate from the processor 405, such as a cache memory of a processor, the system memory, or other memory. The memory 410 can be an external storage device or database for storing data. Examples include a hard drive, compact disc ("CD"), digital video disc ("DVD"), memory card, memory stick, floppy disc, universal serial bus ("USB") memory device, or any other device operative to store data. The memory 410 is operable to store instructions executable by the processor 405. The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or described can be performed by the programmed processor 405 executing the instructions stored in the memory 410. The functions, acts or tasks are independent of the particular type of instructions set, storage media, processor or processing strategy and can be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firm-ware, microcode and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies can include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like.

[0044] As shown, the electronic device 400 can further include a display unit 420, for example a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, a printer or other now known or later developed display device for outputting determined information. The display 420 can act as an interface for a user to see the functioning of the processor 405, or specifically as an interface with the software stored in the memory 410 or in a drive unit 425.

[0045] Additionally, the electronic device 400 can include an input device 430 configured to allow the user to interact with any of the components of the electronic device 400. The input device 430 can include a stylus, a number pad, a keyboard, or a cursor control device, for example a mouse, or a joystick, touch screen display, remote control or any other device operative to interact with the electronic device 400. [0046] The electronic device 400 can also include the drive unit 425. The drive unit 425 can include a computer-readable medium 435 in which one or more sets of instructions 440, for example software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions 440 can embody one or more of the methods or logic as described. In a particular example, the instructions 440 can reside completely, or at least partially, within the memory 410 or within the processor 405 during execution by the electronic device 400. The memory 410 and the processor 405 can also include computer-readable media as discussed above.

[0047] The present invention contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions 440 or receives and executes the instructions 440 responsive to a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network 445 can communicate voice, video, audio, images or any other data over the network 445. Further, the instructions 445 can be transmitted or received over the network 445 via a communication port or communication interface 450 or using the bus 415. The communication interface 450 can be a part of the processor 405 or can be a separate component. The communication interface 450 can be created in software or can be a physical connection in hardware. The communication interface 450 can be configured to connect with the network 445, external media, the display 420, or any other components in the electronic device 400 or combinations thereof. The connection with the network 445 can be a physical connection, such as a wired Ethernet connection or can be established wirelessly as discussed later. Likewise, the additional connections with other components of the electronic device 400 can be physical connections or can be established wirelessly. The network 445 can alternatively be directly connected to the bus 415.

[0048] The network 445 can include wired networks, wireless networks, Ethernet AVB networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network can include a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, 802. IQ or WiMax network. Further, the network 445 can be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and can utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.

[0049] In an alternative example, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement various parts of the electronic device 400. [0050] One or more examples described can implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through modules, or as portions of an applicationspecific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0051] The system described can be implemented by software programs executable by an electronic device. Further, in a non-limited example, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual electronic device processing can be constructed to implement various parts of the system.

[0052] The system is not limited to operation with any particular standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (for example, TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) can be used. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed are considered equivalents thereof.

[0053] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide numerous advantages by providing a method and system for facilitating cashback at a merchant outlet. The present disclosure guarantees the cashback for any purchases. The present disclosure further allows customers in creation of wealth. The present disclosure further increases customer satisfaction as the cashback is received on every purchase. The present disclosure further increases footfalls and sales as the cashback encourages customers in making purchases. The present disclosure further allows the customers to save from expenditure.

[0054] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0055] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

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