System and method for card customization

A computer-implemented data processing system comprises eligibility logic and network interface logic. The eligibility logic is configured to generate a list of accounts that are eligible for customized cards (e.g., credit cards, debit cards) and that are associated with a user. The network interface logic is configured to generate a user interface for interaction with the user. The user interface includes screen displays configured to display the list of accounts and configured to receive card customization information from the user. The card customization information includes information regarding a custom image to be placed on a customized card.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of card customization. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for customizing cards to contain images provided by users of the cards.

BACKGROUND

Financial institutions often issue cards that provide access to accounts, such as credit cards and debit cards. Such cards are issued to both businesses and consumers. Oftentimes, it is desirable to permit the users to customize such cards to include custom images. For example, a business may wish to place its logo on credit cards issued to individual employees. Likewise, a consumer may wish to place a photo of family members or friends on the consumer's credit card or debit card. Enhanced systems and methods of customizing cards to contain images provided by users of the cards would be desirable.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method of customizing a card issued by a financial institution. The method comprises generating a screen display that is pre-populated with information regarding accounts associated with a user and that are eligible for a customized card. The method further comprises receiving card customization information based on user input. The card customization information includes information regarding a custom image to be placed on the customized card.

Another embodiment of the invention related to a computer-implemented data processing system comprising eligibility logic and network interface logic. The eligibility logic is configured to generate a list of accounts that are eligible for customized cards and that are associated with a user. The network interface logic is configured to generate a user interface for interaction with the user. The user interface includes screen displays configured to display the list of accounts and configured to receive card customization information from the user. The card customization information includes information regarding a custom image to be placed on a customized card.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1A, a computer-implemented data processing system100is shown that may be used by a bank or other financial institution to receive card customization instructions from account holders. The account holders may be business entities and/or individual consumers that hold accounts with the financial institution. The cards may include business or consumer credit cards, debit cards, or check cards associated with such accounts, and/or other types of cards such as prepaid cards.

System100may include, among other systems, a computer system110, a data processing system120that includes card customization logic122, and a data processing system140that includes image processing logic142. The computer system110, the data processing system120, and the data processing system140may communicate through a network115, such as the Internet. The data processing systems120and140may each comprise a computer system (e.g., one or more servers each with one or more processors) configured to execute instructions stored in memory to implement the operations described herein associated with logic shown inFIGS. 1A-1B. Although in the illustrated embodiment the data processing systems120and140are shown as being separate and as communicating through the Internet, it will be appreciated that the data processing systems120and140may also be integrated in a single data processing system.

The computer system110may be used by an individual user (e.g., a business owner or employee, a consumer, and so on) to provide card customization information, such as images, text, logos, instructions, and so on. The computer system110comprises a network interface logic112, a display device114and an input device116. Network interface logic112may include, for example, program logic that implements a web browser. For example, the computer system110may receive web pages or other screen displays which are then presented to the user via the display device114. In an example embodiment, such web pages may be used to request a username and password associated with accounts held by the user at the financial institution. Such web pages may also be used to prompt the user to provide information regarding custom images to be placed on a card. Such information may include a logo, text, a selection of an image by the user from a library of images, an image uploaded by the user from the computer system110, and so on. The input device116to may be used to facilitate receiving the requested information from the user.

The data processing system120includes, network interface logic121, card customization logic122and data storage system123. The data processing system120is associated with the financial institution. In an example embodiment, system100is provided by the financial institution, and the users are customers of the financial institution that access customization logic122through an on-line account area of a website of the financial institution. For example, system120may be provided by a bank, and the users may be customers of the bank that access customization logic122through an on-line banking area of a website of the bank. To this end, the data processing system may include account management logic136which may further include financial account processing logic137and statement generation logic138. The account processing logic137performs account processing to process transactions in connection with the account(s) of the account holder, such as account debits and credits to checking and savings accounts, credits and debits to home mortgage and home equity accounts, credits and debits to student loan accounts, and so on. For example, in the context of checking accounts, the transactions may also include electronic bill payment transactions in which monies from the checking account of the user are used to pay bills received by the user. Statement generation logic138generates statements for the user relating to the user's account(s). The user may, for example, interact with such logic prior to or after interacting with the card customization logic122.

Referring again toFIG. 1A, the network interface logic121may include a web server that generates web pages provided to the account holder through the internet. For example, web pages may be provided that make on-line banking tools available to the account holder, e.g., to provide the user with information regarding pending card/account transactions, account balances, and so on, for accounts held by the user at the financial institution, as indicated above. The network interface logic may also otherwise interface in other ways with the data processing system120with the computer system110and the data processing system140through the network115.

The card customization logic122further includes interpretation logic124and eligibility logic126. In one example embodiment, the network interface logic121is configured to cooperate with, among other systems, the interpretation logic124to generate a user interface through which the account holder may access the card customization logic122. Thus, in addition to the on-line banking web pages discussed above, additional web pages may be provided that may be used for card customization. Examples of such web pages, which may be generated by the data processing system120and/or the data processing system140, are described in greater detail below in connection withFIGS. 2-13.

The eligibility logic126may perform processing to determine a list of one or more accounts held by the account holder that are eligible for customized cards. The eligibility logic124may query the data storage system123for information regarding each of the cards for the account holder. Based on such information, eligibility logic126may apply eligibility rules to determine whether particular accounts are eligible for customized cards. The list of eligible accounts may be forwarded to the computer system110via the network interface logic122. For example, as described below, web pages may be generated that list the accounts that have received customized cards and the accounts that are eligible to receive customized cards. The eligibility may be determined based on a variety of factors, such as the type of account held by the user, whether the account is about to expire, and so on.

After a user chooses which card to customize, the data processing system140provides a screen displays various customization options. The data processing system140includes network interface logic141(e.g., a web server) and image processing logic142. The image processing logic142further comprises an image processing interface143, image upload logic144, image editing the placement logic145, and image approval logic146. The image processing interface143may display a variety of customization choices, such as but not limited to background customization, adding a logo or adding a photograph. The image upload logic144allows a user to upload an image for the card customization or use an image that is provided by a data source. In one example embodiment, the image editing and placement logic145may either move, resize, rotate or flip the image. The image editing and placement logic145may also provide the user with a warning if the image does not cover the card completely. The image editing and placement logic145may also allow the user to add text to the card. The image approval logic146permits a user to preview the card with the images and approve the card from the input device116.

FIG. 1Cshows an overview of process150that may be implemented by system100. In process150, system100is configured to be responsive to user inputs to customize a card issued by the financial institution. The process150is described in greater detail below in connection withFIGS. 2-13.

Referring first toFIG. 1C, at step160, the user is prompted for user identifying information, such as for example, a username and password. (Herein, “username”, “user ID”, “login name”, “login ID”, and other terms for identifying a user are used interchangeably.) After being prompted to do so, the user provides user inputs (e.g., mouse movements, mouse clicks, keyboard taps, etc.) to provide such information. The user then enters an on-line account area of the financial institution, where the user is able to view account information such as account balances, transactions and so, and obtain access to other services offered by the financial institution to its customers. In the embodiment herein, one such service is the ability to receive customize cards in connection with one or more of the accounts held by the user at the financial institution. In response to selecting a link to take advantage of this service, at step162, a screen display is generated that shows a pre-populated list of -populated eligible cards. In order to generate the screen display, database123is queried to determine eligible cards in step163. In step164, a user is allowed to select an eligible account from the list provided in step162.

At an appropriate point, assuming image processing is performed at a separate system (in the illustrated embodiment, at data processing system140), authentication information is passed from the data processing system120to the data processing system140. This allows the user to be identified at the data processing system140. At no point does the user have to enter any account information, all information regarding the accounts is retrieved from the data storage system123based on the username entered at step160. Likewise, at no point does the user have to enter a social security number or any part thereof. In other embodiments, as indicated above, the data processing systems120and140is provided as a single integrated data processing system, which may avoid the need to pass the authentication information through the internet while still also avoiding the need for the user to enter account/social security number information.

Next, in step165a screen display is generated that shows a variety of image card design choices. The account holder then chooses one or more of the image design choices shown. In one example embodiment, the design choices may be include an option to customize the background (step168), an option to add a logo (step174), and option to add a photo (step180). If the user selects to customize the background, then the user is prompted to either upload an image or use an image from the image library (step170). After choosing an image, the user may be give choice to add text onto the card in step172. If the user selects to add a logo, then in step176the user may upload an image of the logo and be given the option to input a tag line or text in step178. If the user selects to add a photo, then the user is presented with the option to upload a photo182or use one from the library. The user is then given the option to preview the card in step184. Next, if the user approves the card, the user is asked to approve the terms and conditions186of the card customization program. Lastly, in step188, the financial institution manufactures the card and forwards it to the account holder for use.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-13, various screen displays are shown that may be generated during the process150. In an example embodiment, as previously indicated, the card customization logic122provides an on-line tool that is accessible to users via the internet. In such an embodiment, the screens may be web pages displayed within a web browser, and the configuration information may be received from the user by way of the Internet.

Referring now toFIG. 2,FIG. 2shows an eligibility screen200that may be provided to the user. The eligibility screen200lists each of the accounts210of the user that are eligible for customized cards. As shown in this example embodiment, personal accounts and/or business accounts that are associated with a card issuer are all displayed on the screen200. In the example shown, the customization logic122is being accessed by “Pat Smith” who may, for example, be a small business owner. Ms. Smith may have access rights to accounts that he holds both in a business and personal capacity, and accounts that are associated with other individuals (e.g., “Kelly Thomas” who may, for example, be an employee of one of the businesses owned by Ms. Smith). Thus, in the context of a business, different users may be associated with accounts in different ways, and different rights may be given to the users in connection with cards associated with the accounts. For example, one employee may be given the ability to conduct transactions with a given card. A second, different employee (e.g., an employee in an accounting department) may be given the ability to access the account for a given card and to configure a customized card, but not the right to make purchases with the card. Hence, such an employee may have access rights to the accounts for a number of other employees and may configure customized cards for the other employees (e.g., to give all of the employees customized cards containing the company logo).

Eligibility screen200displays the card status in field220. The card status may, for example, indicate whether a card associated with an account has been customized or is eligible for or not eligible for customization. In field240, options for next steps are shown. For example, the user can choose to customize a card, update an already customized card or remove the customization on a card. Screen shots that may be provided to the user in connection with such operations are shown inFIGS. 3-13B.

Referring now toFIG. 3,FIG. 3shows a screen300that may be provided to the user to prompt the user to select how to customize a card. InFIG. 3, the user may select between options to add various types of images to the card, including an option to customize a background, an option to add a logo, and an option to select a photo. Each of the choices may be selected using respective links310-330. Once the user selects one of the customization choices, the user is directed to screens such as shown inFIGS. 4-6(where selection is for the image to be a background and text),FIGS. 7-10(where the selection is for the image to be a logo and text), orFIGS. 11-12(where the selection is for the image to be a photo).

Referring now toFIG. 4,FIG. 4shows a screen400that may be provided to a user who selected the background customization in fromFIG. 3(i.e., option310). The user may upload a custom image using button405. As one example, the images may be clip-art type images. (In such a case, although the image is clip art uploaded from a standard library, it is nevertheless a “custom image” because it customizes the user's card as compared to more standard cards that are issued by the financial institution.) As another example, the images may be provided in connection with affinity programs conducted through partnerships with third-party entities. For example, sports teams or sports leagues may license team logos, game photos, player photos, and/or other images for use as custom images available through the image library. Upon payment of a license fee, users may then be provided with the ability to place such images on their cards.

Once the custom image is uploaded or selected, the user may be given the controls to modify placement, size rotation and flip the image. In other embodiments, the image editing and placement logic145adjusts the attributes of the custom image for placement on the customized card.

FIG. 5shows a screen500that may be provided to a user after the background image is uploaded and adjusted inFIG. 4. The add text option560allows a user to configure the card to display lines of text. The text may be entered in fields510. The formatting tools550allow the user to choose the font, color, size, style of the text. In one example embodiment the text may be a company tag line or company name.FIG. 5shows two lines of text that may be added to the card, however, in other embodiments more than two lines of text may be allowed.

FIG. 6is a screen shot showing a screen600that provides a view of the customized card after the image is uploaded inFIG. 4and the text is added inFIG. 5. As shown inFIG. 6, the design is previewed (indicator610) after adding text and before ordering the card. The screen display informs the user in field620that the user will received an e-mail confirming the order within a few business days after an approval of the design by the banking institution. In other embodiments the user can receive a text message confirming the order within two business days. In yet another embodiment the text message can be sent to a mobile device. By pressing confirm button630, the user places an order for the customized card. As previously indicated, at no point during the process ofFIGS. 2-6is the user required to enter an account number for the customized card (or any part of an account number) or a social security number (or any part of a social security number). Thus, although the user may be required to provide such information in connection with setting up an account, or performing other account-related operations unrelated to card customization, the user is not required to provide such information in connection the process of receiving and processing the card customization order as described herein. Once the user obtains access to the on-line banking area of the website of the financial institution, the user is able to order one or more customized cards without having to enter further authentication information.

FIG. 7is a screen shot showing a screen700that may be provided to a user when the user selected the option to add a logo inFIG. 3(i.e., option320). The user may upload the logo by using an upload logo button705. Once the logo is uploaded (e.g., from a local storage device on the computing system110), the user may be given the controls to modify placement, size, and rotation of the logo.

FIG. 8shows a screen800that may be provided to a user after the logo is uploaded and adjusted inFIG. 7. Shown inFIG. 8is a card with a logo to which lines of text may be added. The text may be entered in fields810. The lines of text may be displayed on the card as shown inFIG. 8. Also shown inFIG. 8are formatting tools850that allow a user to edit the font, color, size, style and alignment of the text. InFIG. 8, after entering the text, the user may press the preview button to view the text on the card prior to going to the next step.

FIG. 9shows a screen900that may be provided to a user if the text that is added is outside the designated margins of the card. The screen output910warns the user that adjustment must be made to the text and allows the user to make the necessary changes.FIG. 10, which is similar toFIG. 6, is a screen shot showing a screen1000that provides a preview to a user after the image is uploaded inFIG. 7and the text is added inFIG. 8.

Referring toFIG. 11,FIG. 11is a screen shot showing a screen1100that may be provided to a user when the user selected the option to add a photo inFIG. 3(i.e., option330). The user may upload the photograph by using the upload photo button1110. Once the picture is uploaded, the user is given the controls to modify placement, size, and rotation of the photo. Responsive to the user inputs received via various controls, the image editing and placement logic145adjusts the attributes of the custom image for placement on the customized card.FIG. 12, which is similar toFIG. 6, is a screen shot showing a screen1200that provides a preview to a user when the user has selected the photo option.

Referring again toFIG. 2, as shown in field240, the user may also be given the option to remove the customization from a card that has already been customized. Referring now toFIG. 13A,FIG. 13Ashows a screen1300that prompts the user to verify the removal of customization on a card. Screen1300is shown when the user choose the “remove” link for a given account shown in field240ofFIG. 2. The user may choose “submit” button and in response the user is shown the screen shown inFIG. 13B. Choosing the remove option allows the user to remove the earlier customization of a card and allows the issuer to issue a new card that is without customization.

FIG. 13Bis a screen shot informing the user that a request to remove customization for a card was received. The screen shot also shows a field1330which shows the updated status as “processing” for the card fromFIG. 13A. A next step column1340is provided in which the user may choose to update a customized card and adjust each of the customization referred to inFIGS. 3-12.

In another embodiment, the screen shots and processes described in the above can be presented a various branch locations such as but not limited to a kiosk or an ATM machine. In this embodiment the user can order, remove or update card customization as part of an ATM transaction.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to drawings. The drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of the present invention. However, describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitations that may be present in the drawings. The present invention contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing its operations. The embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using an existing computer processor, or by a special purpose computer processor incorporated for this or another purpose or by a hardwired system.

As previously indicated, embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers having processors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such network computing environments may encompass many types of computers, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and so on. Embodiments of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

An exemplary system for implementing the overall system or portions of the invention might include a general purpose computing computers in the form of computers, including a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit. The system memory may include read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The computer may also include a magnetic hard disk drive for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk, a magnetic disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk, and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk such as a CD ROM or other optical media. The drives and their associated machine-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of machine-executable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer. It should also be noted that the word “terminal” as used herein is intended to encompass computer input and output devices. Input devices, as described herein, include a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, joystick or other input devices performing a similar function. The output devices, as described herein, include a computer monitor, printer, facsimile machine, or other output devices performing a similar function.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.