MX2007014371A - In-lane money transfer systems and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods to initiate, facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers. One such method includes receiving a request for a transfer pair verification from a vendor location (360), and verifying that the transfer pair is associated with a valid transfer pair record (362). The method includes sending the transfer pair verification to the vendor location (368), receiving a money transfer request (370) associated with the transfer pair from the vendor location, and authorizing a money transfer (372) to at least one of a first and second customers associated with the transfer pair, hi this manner, a vendor location, which may include a point-of-sale device and may be a retail outlet (e.g., grocery store, gas station, or the like), can be used to facilitate a money transfer between two customers.

Description

CURRENT MONEY TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of money transfers, and in particular to the transfer of money between two frequent entities or customers that may be presented using point of sale systems to initiate or facilitate the transfer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Current money transfer procedures typically involve an individual going to a money transfer location, such as a Western Union location, and providing the customer service agent with a variety of personal information. This personal information may include the names and addresses of the issuer and receiver, proof of identification, and the amount to be transferred. This information is entered into a money transfer system, and is used to create a record of the money transfer. Once the money to be transferred has been collected from the issuer, the receiver then proceeds to a separate money transfer location, such as another Western Union location, to collect the money. The recipient may be asked to provide a money transfer number and / or proof of identification, before collecting the money. Typically, this procedure is followed by each subsequent money transfer, even when the sender and receiver are the same. As a result, people who frequently send money using money transfer systems are repeatedly providing much of the same information. Improvements are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of money transfers, and in particular to the transfer of money between two frequent entities or customers that may be presented using point of sale systems to initiate or facilitate the transfer. The present invention provides systems and methods for initiating, facilitating, processing and / or making money transfers. In such modality, a method for processing money transfers includes receiving a request for a pair-transfer verification from a seller's location, and verifying that the pair of transfers is associated with a valid record of the pair of transfers. The method includes sending the verification of the pair of transfers to the vendor's location, receiving a money transfer request associated with the pair of transfers from the vendor's location, and authorizing a transfer of money to one of the first and second customers associated with the vendor. the pair of transfers. In this way, a location of the seller, which may include a point-of-sale device and may be a commercial establishment (e.g., supermarket, gas station, or the like), may be used to facilitate a transfer of money between two customers who have an established record of transfer pair. In one aspect, the method further includes establishing the transfer pair record associated with the first customer and the second customer. The record of pair transfers can be established, for example, by verifying the identity of at least one of the first and second clients, receiving the information of the first and second clients, and creating a database record of the same, and providing a transfer pair code to at least one of the first and second clients. In some aspects, the transfer pair code is a string of alphanumeric characters. The transfer pair code may also include a designator of the money transfer receiver. For example, the code may have a prefix or suffix to indicate which of the two clients involved in the transfer of money is the receiver.

In one aspect, the method includes sending a commission request to the vendor's location. This can occur, for example, when the verification of the pair of transfers is sent to the seller's location. The commission request can be a commission for transfer of money that will be charged to the client that initiates the transfer of money. The commission can be a fixed commission (for example, an established amount of dollars per transfer of money), or a variable commission (for example, a percentage of the amount of dollars transferred). In some aspects, the method includes receiving a commission record that corresponds to the money transfer request. The commission record can be created by a point-of-sale device or a computer system associated with the seller's location. The payment record can indicate the amount that will be transferred as requested by the customer. In other aspects, the transfer amount is fi, and the record of this amount can also be stored in the transfer pair register. This feature can be useful, for example, if a customer wishes to send the same amount each week, each payment period, each month or similar. The money associated with the money transfer request is provided to the first or second customer in some aspects. The delivery may involve receiving a transfer pair code associated with the pair of transfers from the first or second customer before the money is delivered. In this way, the intended recipient provides the pair code of transfers, and possibly another proof of identity, before receiving the money transferred. The present invention also provides methods to facilitate transfers of money by a customer. One method includes receiving a money transfer request and a transfer pair code from a first customer. A request for a pair-transfer check is sent to a central computer, and the pair-transfer check is received from the central computer. If the verification is not received, in some aspects, the money transfer request is denied. Alternatively, the money transfer may proceed after the customer information is collected. The method includes receiving a payment from the first customer for transfer to a second customer associated with the pair code of transfers, and sending a registration request for money transfer and payment to the central computer. In some aspects, a receipt is provided to the first customer. In some aspects, at least a portion of the transfer occurs using a device or point-of-sale system. In other modalities, part or all of the transaction occurs using a website interface, a voice recognition unit, a customer service representative, or the like. In this way, transactions can occur between pre-registered entities (for example, utility companies or other service providers), and / or between pre-registered clients (for example, an individual), or a certain combination thereof, without needing to collect Large amounts of data or information for each transaction. Methods of the present invention will be particularly useful for initiating "ongoing" money transfers, such as while making purchases in a commercial establishment. In one aspect, the method further includes receiving a purchase request for a customer item from the first customer. The payment includes a first payment portion associated with the customer item and a second payment portion associated with the money transfer request. In some aspects, the payment also includes a third portion of payment associated with a commission for transferring money. In this way, the client can initiate the transfer of money while going to other shops or errands, or while in a location not designed solely for money transfers. The use of a pair of transfers, particularly a pair of transfers previously established by the first and / or second clients, will reduce or eliminate the amount of personal information that may otherwise need to be collected before the transfer of money. In some modalities, the initial client needs only to provide the pair of transfers and an amount to be transferred. The present invention also provides systems for initiating, performing, processing or otherwise facilitating money transfers. Such a system includes a central computer that has a processor coupled to a database. The central computer further includes a code for performing various methods of the present invention. In a particular embodiment, the central computer includes a code to receive a request to verify a pair of transfers from a point-of-sale device, code to verify whether the pair of transfers is associated with a valid record of the pair of transfers, and code to send a pair verification of transfers to the point of sale device. The central computer also includes a code to receive a money transfer request associated with the pair of transfers from the point of sale device, and code to authorize a transfer of money to at least one of the first customer and the second customer associated with the pair of transfers. In this way, the money transfer can be initiated at a remote location, such as at a point-of-sale device. In some modalities, the system includes the point-of-sale device. In some aspects, the system also includes a code to establish the transfer pair record associated with the first client and the second client. The record can be established using a code to receive the information from the first and second clients and create a database record thereof to include a pair code of transfers. The transfer code is then provided to at least one of the first and second clients. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims and the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a simplified representation of a transfer pair record according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a simplified schematic system for facilitating money transfers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 3A and 3B are simplified flow charts of methods according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes systems and methods that initiate, facilitate, process and / or perform money transfers or other recurring financial transactions between two participants, entities or customers. The embodiments of the present invention will be particularly useful for clients who commonly send money to the same or a number of recipients. For example, legalized foreigners who work in the United States can use a money transfer system to send money back to their family in Mexico, or countries in South or Central America. These money transfers can occur at approximately regular intervals, and for example, they can correspond to times when employers pay their workers. Some embodiments of the present invention will particularly be useful in reducing the amount of information that these clients must provide each time they wish to send money. In addition, the number of locations in which a money transfer can be initiated is increased through the use of the systems and methods of the present invention. In some embodiments, a transfer pair record 100 is created for a pair of clients. As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment, the transfer pair register 100 includes information about a first client 110 and information about a second client 120. The information includes the names and addresses of the clients. The transfer pair register 100 may additionally include additional details about clients 110, 120 which include, but are not limited to, telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses, social security numbers, dates of birth, driver's license, employee identification numbers, passwords, credit card information, bancapa account information, information about other payment mechanisms, and the like. Figure 1 represents similar information for the first client 110 and the second client 120 within the record 100 of transfer pair. In other embodiments, the amount of information for the first and second clients 110, 120 may differ. For example, if the second customer 120 will always be the money transfer recipient, the amount of information may be more or less than that collected for the first customer 110. In addition, not all customers will have the same amount of personal information. For example, customers 110 and / or 120 may not have a valid driver's license, an American social security number, an email address or the like. The 100 pair transfer registry will particularly be useful for the first and second clients 110, 120 who wish to send money to each other, or from one client to the other, on more than one occasion. The transfer pair register 100 is created in a number of ways within the scope of the present invention. For example, the first customer 110 may enter a money transfer location, such as a Western Union location, and provide relevant information to a customer service representative (CSR) for the first customer 110 and the second customer 120. This it can be presented, for example, when the first customer 110 is the issuer of the money for transactions between these two customers. The CSR creates the 100 record of transfer pair by entering the information collected in a computer system that has appropriate software. Transfer pair register 100 can also be created by allowing the first customer 110 to enter customer information into a website, such as the Western Union website. In other embodiments, the customer information is transported in a telephone for a CSR or in an interactive voice response system (IVR), by mobile or wireless devices, or the like, in order to create the record 100 of transfer pair. The amount of information retrieved from customers 110 and / or 120 can be made by the Patriot Act, or other federal, state or local legislation. In a particular embodiment, the first customer 110 and the second customer 120 intend to transfer money between them, or from one of them to the other, on a regular or semi-regular basis. In some modalities, the first customer 110 is always the money issuer and the second customer 120 is always the money receiver. In other modalities, the second client 120 sends money on some occasions, such as when he reimburses the money lent him by the first client 110. The creation of the register 100 of pair of transfers, includes, in some modality the creation of a code 140 of pair of transfers. The transfer pair code 140 may take a number of different forms within the scope of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment, the transfer pair code 140 includes a string of alphanumeric characters. In some embodiments, the transfer pair code 140 includes a character, code segment or the like that operates as a designator of the money transfer receiver. The designator can be a prefix and / or a suffix that is used to designate which of the clients 110, 120 is sending the money and which one will receive it. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the suffix "-A" may indicate that the first customer 110 is sending money to the second customer 120, while the suffix "-B" may indicate the money that will be transferred from the customer 120 to the first client 110. In other embodiments, the 140 transfer pair code is completely different depending on which of the clients 110, 120 is the initiator or receiver in the money transfer. In some embodiments, transfer pair 140 codes take alternate forms other than a string of alphanumeric characters. For example, transmission pair codes 140 may be represented in a universal product code (UPC) that is sent or provided to customers 110 and / or 120. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the first customer 110 to send an amount prescribed to the second customer 120. In this embodiment, the transfer pair register 100 includes a transfer amount 130. This amount will be useful, for example, when the first customer 110 wants to make sure that he sends the necessary amount of the second customer 120. In other modalities, the amount of each money transfer may vary. In one embodiment, the variable amount is not maintained in the transfer pair register 100. In another embodiment, a history of the transfers between the first and second clients 110, 120 is maintained in the record 100 of transfer pair. While the transfer pair record 100 is shown as forming pairs of two clients 110, 120, in some embodiments, the transfer pair register 100 is created for use with money transfers between more than two clients. For example, the transfer pair register 100 may include information about a third client, and may include additional transfer pair codes for the transfer of money to and / or from the third client to the first client 110 and / or the second. client 120. This method can be useful, for example, if the first client 110 is a parent with two children in the school. In this example, the first customer 110 wants to send money to their children (for example, the second customer 120 and the third customer) at different points in time, in different locations (for example, in different schools), in different quantities, and similar. In an alternative example, the third client operates as an intermediary for the second client. For example, the second client (recipient of money) can be an elderly parent, with the third client being the son or the daughter. The son or daughter may be authorized to receive the money on behalf of the father in certain prescribed situations (for example, when the father is sick) or alternatively, in all circumstances. In this example, the third client (son or daughter) is also registered with the transfer pair record that has information about the third client. In another modality, a "lot" of transactions may be presented. For example, when a first client receives his paycheck, he may wish to send X dollars to his mother, and dollars to his sister and Z dollars to his brother. A transaction record is created for this group of pcipants, so that each time the record identifier is used, the previous transactions occur. In some modalities, the transaction record identifies the quantities and receivers as previously described. In other modalities, the quantity to be sent is calculated on a percentage basis. For example, the first customer can identify the total amount that will be transferred, and the transaction record contains information that the mother receives, for example, fifty percent (50%), and each of the siblings will receive twenty-five per cent. one hundred (25%) of the transfer amount. In other modalities, the appropriate commissions per transaction are removed before the funds are delivered. In other embodiments, quantities may be administered dynamically, such as by electronic means (e.g., the Internet) to adjust quantities, percentages, or the like. In some cases, if the first client wants to send money only to his mother, a couple of separate transactions for the client and the mother is created if the client wants recurring transfers. In a preferred embodiment, the creation of the transfer pair register 100 produces one or more transfer pair 140 codes that are unique to the first client 110 and the second client 120 associated with the transfer pair register 100. Transmission pair codes 140 are then provided to one or both of the clients 110, 120. Providing the transmission pair 140 codes to clients 110, 120 occurs through a variety of mechanisms within the scope of the present invention. For example, the transfer pair code 140 may be provided to the first client 110 when it creates the transfer pair record. In another embodiment, transmission pair 140 codes are mailed to one or both of the clients 110, 120 in a manner similar to mailing a personal identification number (PIN) commonly used with ATM cards. . In another embodiment, the transmission pair 140 codes are sent by email to the clients 110, 120 using for example, email addresses entered in the transmission pair record 100. In yet another embodiment, the transmission pair codes 140 are represented or printed on a display device, such as a card or the like. The display device is sent or provided to the clients 110, 120. In one embodiment, the presentation device is a card containing a magnetic stripe. The transmission pair codes 140 may be encoded in the magnetic stripe together with, in some embodiments, the additional information of the transfer pair register 100. Clients 110, 120 may use the presentation device when sending or receiving money as described further in the following. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the that the shape of the transfer pair code 140 and the method in which the transfer pair 140 codes are provided to the clients 110 and / or 120 may vary within the scope of this invention beyond the previous specific examples. Once a record 100 of transfer pair has been established, 140 pair transfer code can be used to initiate the transfer of money from a variety of locations. In some embodiments, customer 110 or 120 initiates the transfer of money by logging into a website of the money transfer organization, such as the Western Union website. The transfer pair code 140 is entered into the website so that the Western Union money transfer system accesses the transfer pair register associated with the appropriate 110, 120 clients. In this modality, the website can indicate to the client to provide additional information such as the date of birth, the driver's license number, a password, or similar to verify that the individual who interconnects with the website is really one of the first or second clients 110, 120. The initiation of money transfers using the 140 pair transfer code can also be presented by telephone when interfacing with an IVR system, or the like. For example, the first customer 110 may call a customer service representative (CSR) associated with the organization facilitating money transfers (eg, Western Union). The first client 110 provides the CSR with the transfer pair code 140, a transfer amount (if the pair of transfers allows variable amounts) and a payment method. In some embodiments, additional authorization is also provided (e.g., a password or other information in the transfer pair record 100) by the first customer 110. In some embodiments, the acceptable payment method is limited to payment methods already identified. in the record 140 of transfer pair (for example, a credit card account, a Paypal account, etc.). In some embodiments, a receipt for the transaction is provided to the first customer 110, such as by email, voice message, receipt sent by mail to the address of the first customer 110, or the like. A particular advantage of the present invention further includes the use of transfer pair 140 codes while clients 110 and / or 120 are in a resale location as will be further described in conjunction with the subsequent figures. Returning now to Figure 2, a system 200 for initiating, facilitating, processing and / or transferring money in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will be described. The system 200 includes a central counting system 240 coupled to a database 242. In one embodiment, the central system 240 comprises a server or other computing apparatus for creating and maintaining records associated with money transfers. The central computing system 240, in one embodiment, is operated by a third party such as Western Union or another money transfer organization. The database 242 maintains the money transfer records. In addition, in one embodiment, the database 242 maintains some or all of the transfer pair records. For example, the central computing system 240 may comprise or be coupled to a server that maintains a Western Union website in which the first client 110 enters data to create the record 100 of pair transfers. Similarly, the central computing system 240 may have other user interfaces by which a customer service representative enters data and creates the transfer pair records 100. In addition, the central computing system 240 may include or be coupled to an interactive voice response system to allow the client 110 to interconnect with the system 240 to create the transfer pair registers 100. In one embodiment, a transfer pair record has been created for a first customer 260 and a second customer 280. In this mode, the second customer 280 is the intended recipient of a money transfer initiated by the first customer 260. To receive the money, the second client 280 goes to a remote terminal or system 250. The remote system 250 may be a kiosk, a money transfer location such as the location of Western Union, or the like. In alternative modalities, the money transferred is deposited in a permanent or temporary account for the second customer 280, such as a bank account, a stored value account, or the like. In one embodiment, remote system 250 also comprises a computer system, associated databases (not shown), and other necessary hardware and software to help coordinate money transfers for customers 260 and 280. In one embodiment, the Remote computation system 250 is coupled to central computing system 240 so that database records maintained in database 242 are accessible by remote computer 250. This coupling between the remote system 250 and the central computing system 240 can be a direct coupling or it can be a coupling through a network 230 as shown in Figure 2. The network 230 can include telephone networks, card networks credit, wide area networks, the Internet, wireless networks, and the like. In addition, depending on the type of processing device used to transmit the information, such devices may also be coupled to a financial network such as a network of credit cards or ATM network or may have a direct connection to other payment systems. central computation.

While the central computation system 240 is represented as a simple system, the central computing system 240 can have multiple components and can comprise a collection of more than one system. For example, money transfer records may be maintained in a first portion of the central computing system 240, while transfer pair records 100 may be maintained in a second portion of the central computing system 240. Multiple databases 242 can also be used to facilitate the storage and retrieval of 100 pair transfer records. In some embodiments, portions of the 200 system are found in commercial establishments, such as supermarkets, gas stations, and the like. In one embodiment, a retail establishment has an associated vendor system 220 coupled to a database 222. The vendor system 220 is also coupled to a point of sale (POS) device or terminal 210. In some embodiments, the POS device 210 is a point of service, such as a location in which the customer receives a certain service or benefit as opposed to making physical purchases. The coupling between the vendor system 220 and the terminal 210 can be a direct link, or it can be an electronic link through the network 230. A direct link between the vendor system 220 and the point of sale device 210 can comprise for example, a point of sale terminal 210 in a physical store location or wirelessly coupled with the vendor system 220. In some embodiments, the vendor system 220 comprises a server, a computer, or the like, which may be located in a later space of the store or resale location. The vendor system 220 and its associated database 222 may contain a wide variety of records related to stores. For example, in some embodiments, database 222 contains inventories lists, price lists, vendor lists, employee information and the like. In a particular embodiment, the point of sale device 210 exists in a supermarket that has a plurality of items available for customers to purchase. Typically, the point-of-sale device is part of a cash register system in which the customer, or assistant or employee of the store, scans the UPC of the item or item information in the point-of-sale device 210. The point of sale device 210 receives the costs associated with those items from the vendor system 220 or alternatively the costs are held at the POS device 210 by a SKU, etc. The point of sale device 210 then accumulates a total cost of all the items that are to be purchased by the first customer 260 and presents the total to the customer 260. The first customer 260 will then offer the payment for the desired items and leave the location of the store. If the payment is made using a credit card, a personal check, or the like, a payment authorization process can be presented before the customer leaves with the desired items. This authorization may involve standard credit card authorization or check authentication as known to those skilled in the art. The customer 260 can also pay in cash, money order, traveler's check, or the like. In some embodiments, the seller system 220 does not reside in a store location, but in fact resides in a regional location. For example, a supermarket chain may have a simple regional vendor system 220 that maintains records of store inventory, and the costs and prices associated with the items sold therein. The point of sale terminals 210 in one or more of the store locations are coupled to the vendor system 220. In this way, inventory and prices can be managed at a regional level as well as in a store-by-store manner. In yet another modality, the seller system 220 is a system owned by a third party used to facilitate various transactions. In some cases, the seller system 220 resides in a third party transaction processing facility. In some embodiments, point of sale terminals 210 communicate with vendor system 220 through network 230. Point of sale devices 210 that can be used to capture, transmit and / or receive information to and from the system. 220 of central computation for some embodiments of the present invention are further described in co-pending US Application No. 10 / 116,689 entitled Systems and Methods for Performing Transactions at a Point of Sale, filed on April 3, 2002 and assigned to the transferee. of the present invention, of which the entire description is incorporated herein by reference. In some cases, the first customer 260 purchases items in the store using the procedure noted above, but also wishes to initiate a money transfer to the second customer 280. In some embodiments of the present invention, the system 200 is adapted to allow the first customer 260 initiate a money transfer at the location of the store using the point of sale terminal 210. In a particular embodiment, the customer 260 submits a money transfer request to the point of sale terminal 210 or an assistant operating the point of sale terminal 210. By doing so in this manner, the first client 260 provides the auxiliary or the POS device 210 with the transfer pair code 140 associated with the first client 260 and the second correct client 280 to whom the first client 260 is sending money. This may be a verbal presentation, of which the assistant or client 260 will type the appropriate transfer pair code and / or the money transfer amount requested at the point of sale terminal 210. In another embodiment, the transfer pair code 140 has been printed on a piece of paper and provided to the assistant. The printed paper can be a couple of handwritten transfers in a postal giro request form obtained by the first customer 260 at the vendor's location, the email of the first customer 260 received from the central system 240 that the first customer 260 has printed and taken with it to the store, or similar. In another embodiment, the store has a kiosk, a computer or the like which is coupled to the central system 240. In this way, the first customer 260 can retrieve his 140 transfer pair code while in the store to initiate the transfer of money. Alternatively, part or all of the transfer pair code 140 or other customer account information is maintained in the presentation device 270, such as in a Universal Product Code (UPC). Alternatively, a magnetic stripe may be provided in the presentation device 270 having the transmission pair code 140 and also possible additional information. The information maintained in the UPC, the magnetic stripe, written or printed in the presentation device 270, or the like, may include the name of the client, the amount 130 of money transfer, the code 140 of pair transfers, and the like. The transfer pair code 140 is input to the POS device 210, and transmitted to the central computer 240. The central computer 240 checks the transfer pair code 140 received against the transfer pair registers 100 which include registers 100 that can be stored in the database 242. In some embodiments, a client name or other information is sent to the central computer 240, and checked against the transfer pair register corresponding to the provided transfer pair code 140. The central system 240 can confirm, for example, that the transmitted transfer pair 140 corresponds to a valid transfer pair register 100. For a verified transfer pair code 140, the central system 240 returns a money transfer authorization or transfer pair code verification to the POS device 210. The POS device 210, or the auxiliary operating the POS device 210, then proceeds with the transfer of money by charging the money to be transferred from the customer 260. For transfers of fixed amounts, in some embodiments, the transfer authorization of money can include the amount of money transfer. In this way, the POS device 210 is informed of the authorized money transfer that it can charge. In other modalities, the money transfer authorization returns a maximum money transfer amount. In this case, the POS device 210 is authorized to accept money transfers up to the maximum authorized amount, but not a larger amount. In some modalities, the amount of money transfer is charged from the customer 260, and any fees for transferring money are reduced from the amount charged. In other embodiments, the POS device 210 is instructed by the central system 240 to charge a commission for transferring money in addition to the amount of money transfer that the customer wishes to transmit 260. In some embodiments, the commission for transferring money is a variable amount such as a percentage of the amount of money transfer. Charging the commission may be similar to applying a sales tax to an item that is purchased in POS device 210. In other modalities, the transfer fee is a fixed amount (for example, $ 5 per transfer). Additional commissions for money transfer can be used in alternative modalities, such as a variable scale of commission (for example, a commission of five dollars for every hundred dollars transferred, with a commission of fifty dollars). In some embodiments, the transfer pair verification response is sent to the POS device 210 and includes the commission for transferring money to be charged. In other embodiments, the presentation device 270 and / or the vendor system 220 maintains a commission program for money transfer. The commission for money transfer may include a commission to be paid to the operator of the central system 240, and may include a commission to be paid to the operator of the vendor system 220. In one embodiment, the central system 240 and the associated database 242 maintain some or all of the transfer pair registers 100. In this mode, the point of sale terminal 210 communicates via the network 230 to the central computer 240 in order to facilitate money transfers. In one embodiment, appropriate software is maintained in the central computer 240 and / or the remote computer 250 in its associated 242 databases, to perform the money transfer process. Further details on some methods according to the present invention will be further described in conjunction with Figures 3A and 3B. When the customer 260 makes the payment for the items purchased in the store and / or for a money transfer, this payment may require additional authorization. For example, if the customer 260 is paying with a credit card, a standard credit card authorization can be made using the point of sale terminal 210. Similarly, if the customer 260 is paying with a personal check, a check authentication process can be performed at the point of sale terminal 210. In some modalities, customer 260 will be making the payment only for the transfer of money. In other embodiments, the customer 260 will be making the payment for the transfer of money and also for the additional items purchased at the location of the store that operates the point of sale terminal 210. In this way, the customer 260 can perform two movements at a time, for example, by purchasing desired groceries or other items available in a store as well as initiating a money transfer. In some embodiments, the payment received by the point of sale terminal 210 for money transfers is sent to the central system 240 using an Automated Compensation House (ACH) system and process, the Western Union money transfer system, or another money transfer system. In some embodiments, the central computer 240 controls or assists in controlling the ACH process by payments received from the customer 260 that is associated with the money transfers. In this way, the central computer 240 can control the money transfer process so that the money charged by the point of sale terminal 210 becomes available to the second customer 280 associated with the record 100 of the pair of transfers so that share it with the first customer 260 Additional details on money transfers for use with the present invention can be found in US Application No. 10 / 206,661, filed July 26, 2002, entitled "Money Transfer Methods and Strategies". for Travels, and assigned to the assignee of the present, of which the entire description is incorporated herein by reference. Returning to Figures 3A and 3B, methods of the present invention will be described. In particular, Figure 3A represents a method 300 to facilitate a transfer of money by a customer. Figure 3B represents a method 350 for processing a money transfer. As shown in Figure 3A, method 300 includes receiving a request for a money transfer (Block 310) and receiving a transfer pair code (Block 312). In some modalities, the receipt of the money transfer request and the code of the pair of transfers occur simultaneously and even in other modalities, the reception of the transfer pair code comprises the money transfer request. The receipt of the money transfer request and the pair code of transfers can be presented according to any of the methods described above. For example, the transfer pair code may be represented in a UPC or in a magnetic stripe in the display device 270 which is received by the point of sale device 210 or an assistant operating the point of sale device 210. The method 300 includes requesting a verification of the pair of transfers (Block 314). This verification request may include the point of sale device 210 and / or the vendor system 220 which sends a request to the central system 240 to verify the pair of transfers. Method 300 includes determining whether the pair of transfers has been verified (Decision Block 316). In one embodiment, the POS device 210 receives a check between "YES" or a "NO" verification response from the central computer 240. If the pair of transfers is not verified, the money transfer request is terminated (Stop 318). If the pair of transfers is verified, the method 300 includes receiving the payment for the transfer of money (Block 320). The payment may involve a cash transfer customer paying in cash, or the like, the POS device 210 or an assistant operating the POS device 210. The receipt of the payment can also include receiving the payment of a commission for transfer of money. In some modalities, the commission for transferring money is deducted from the amount of money transfer requested. In other modalities, the client who initiates the transfer pays the money he wishes to transfer to the recipient and also pays a commission for transferring money. In this way, receiving the payment can have multiple components. The payment may also include a portion of payment for the customer's purchase of various customer items or services in a resale location that operates the POS device 210. The method 300 includes sending a record that the money transfer has been successfully initiated and that the money has been cashed (Block 322). Again, the point of sale device 210 and / or the vendor system 220 may send the record to the central computing system 240. The database 222 can store a record of the money transfer request that is processed. Method 300 includes payment remittance (Block 324), which may include the current transfer of money, or the transmission of payment records through an ACH or other system. In some embodiments, the method 300 is broadly completed by using the point of sale device 210 and / or the vendor system 220. Figure 3B represents the method 350 for processing a money transfer request. Method 350 includes receiving a request for a transfer pair check (Block 360). As noted above, this request can be received by the central system 240 of the point of sale device 210 and / or the vendor system 220. Method 350 includes trying to verify the pair of transfers (Block 360). The central system 240 achieves this process in some modalities, by comparing the received transfer pair code 140 with the transfer pair registers 100. In some embodiments, the central system 240 also compares a client name received from the POS device 210 with the client names contained in the transfer pair register 100 associated with the received transfer pair code 140. If the pair of transfers is not verified (Decision Block 364), a refusal can be returned to the money transfer applicant (Block 366). The refusal can be transmitted to the point of sale device 210 and / or the vendor system 220 for retransmission to the customer requesting the transfer of money. A refusal can occur for a variety of reasons, including without limitation, an incorrect transfer pair code, an incomplete transfer pair record 100 associated with the transfer pair code 140, a message or notice placed in the record 100. of a pair of transfers indicating that additional, or similar, money transfers should be denied. In some embodiments, the transfer pair 140 is verified and a verification is returned by the central system 240 (Block 368). Method 350 includes receiving the money transfer request (Block 370). For example, this may comprise the central system 240 receiving a notification from the point of sale device 210 and / or the vendor system 220 that the customer associated with the pair transfer verification has certainly paid for the money transfer. The receipt of the money transfer request may include receiving additional information, such as the transfer pair code which in turn identifies the sending and receiving clients, and the amount to be transferred in the event that the pair registration of transfers allows variable amounts of transfer. In some embodiments, the 350 method also includes authorizing the transfer (Block 372). Authorizing the transfer may include that the central system 240 create or maintain a record of which clients associated with the pair of verified transfers have initiated a transfer of money in a designated amount (fixed or variable) and that the money can be delivered to the second customer 280 with proof of identity. As shown in Figure 2, the second client 280 receives money from a remote system 250, which in turn is coupled to the central system 240. In some embodiments, system 240 makes money available for second customer 280 only after a period of time has elapsed since the first customer 260 paid. In this manner, non-cash payments made by the first customer 260 for the money transfer can be approved or confirmed before the cash is delivered to the second customer 280. The advantages of the present invention, which include the examples described in conjunction with Figures 1 -3 are numerous. For the client, the customer now has multiple locations in which he can initiate a money transfer. The customer can perform many tasks when sending money from a location in which he has already planned to buy groceries or similar. In addition, the client does not need to repeatedly provide all the information typically necessary for a money transfer since most or all of the information is kept in the pair-transfer record. Benefits of the central system are numerous as well. For example, the point of sale device 210 can facilitate payment authorization through credit card authorization and check authentication processes. The central money transfer system will receive payments quickly from the seller through the ACH or other money transfer processing system. In some modalities, however, money transfer payments are made in cash, by bank checks, or other certified funds. The central system operator also benefits by having customers who are satisfied to have additional places where they can initiate a money transfer and pay it. The operator of the central system 240 also benefits by not having to enter a complete data set for his frequent client each time the client wishes to send money. Benefits for the vendor that operates the point of sale device 210 also exist. First, the seller, by participating in this process, is providing an additional customer service that his competitors can not provide. This could increase customer traffic in store locations. For example, while the previous examples describe the user who proceeds to a supermarket to buy items and at the same time initiates a money transfer, the opposite can happen. For example, the user can proceed to the supermarket to start a money transfer, and while there he can buy some items. In addition to the possibility of additional purchases, increased revenue can be received by the merchant through commissions paid by the customer and / or the central money transfer machine. In one embodiment, the seller receives a small commission from the central computer for each money transfer initiated from the vendor's location. Still another advantage for the seller can be the float available to the seller. The seller may have in his account the money associated with the money transfers paid by his clients during a period of time before the money is transferred to the central computer. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional benefits for each of the participants of the methods of the present invention, arising from one or more components of the systems of the present invention can be realized within the scope of the present invention. The invention has now been described in detail. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may be carried out in forms other than those illustrated in the foregoing discussion, and that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to those specific examples, but rather to be in accordance with the scope represented in the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore the property described in the following claims is claimed as property. CLAIMS 1. A method for processing money transfers, the method characterized in that it comprises: receiving from a vendor location, a request for a pair transfer verification; verify that the pair of transfers is associated with a valid record of transfer pair; send the pair verification of transfers to the seller's location; receive a money transfer request associated with the pair of transfers from the seller's location; and authorize a transfer of money to at least one of the first and second clients associated with the pair of transfers. The method according to claim 1, further characterized by comprising setting the transfer pair register associated with the first client and the second client. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that establishing the transfer pair register comprises: verifying the identity of at least one of the first and second clients; receive the information of the first and second clients and create a database registry of the same; and providing a transfer pair code for at least one of the first and second clients. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the transfer pair code comprises a money transfer receiver designator. 5. The method of compliance with the claim 3, characterized in that the transfer pair code comprises a string of alphanumeric characters. 6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the location of the seller comprises a commercial establishment. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that sending the transfer pair check further comprises sending a commission request to the vendor's location. The method according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises receiving a payment record corresponding to the money transfer request. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises delivering the money associated with the money transfer request to the first or second clients. The method according to claim 9, further characterized in that it comprises receiving a transfer pair code associated with the pair of transfers of the first or second clients before the money is delivered. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the money transfer request comprises a fixed amount associated with the pair of transfers. 12. A method for facilitating money transfers by a customer, the method characterized in that it comprises: receiving a money transfer request from a first customer; receive a transfer pair code from the first client; send a request for a pair transfer check to a central computer; receive verification of pair of transfers from the central computer; receive a payment from the first customer for the transfer to a second customer associated with the transfer pair code; and send a record of the money transfer request and the payment to the central computer. 13. The method according to claim 12, further characterized in that it comprises providing a receipt to the first customer. The method according to claim 12, further characterized in that it comprises receiving a purchase request for a customer item from the first customer, and wherein the payment comprises a first payment portion associated with the customer item and a second portion payment associated with the money transfer request. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the payment also comprises a third portion of payment associated with a commission for money transfer. 16. A system for processing money transfers, characterized in that it comprises: a central computer comprising a processor coupled to a database; where the central computer further comprises: code for receiving a request to verify a pair of transfers from a point-of-sale device; code to verify that the pair of transfers is associated with a valid record of pair transfers; code to send a pair verification of transfers to the point of sale device; code for receiving a money transfer request associated with the pair of transfers from the point of sale device; and code to authorize a transfer of money to at least one of the first customer and a second customer associated with the pair of transfers. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that the central computer further comprises the code for establishing the transfer pair register associated with the first client and the second client. 18. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that the central computer further comprises a code for receiving the information of the first and second clients and creating a database record thereof to include a pair code of transfers. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that the central computer further comprises a code for providing the transfer pair code to at least one of the first and second clients. 20. The system according to claim 16, further characterized in that it comprises the point of sale device.