Patent Publication Number: US-2015088753-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for providing a virtual gift card system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/881,735 filed Sep. 24, 2013, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A GIFT CARD SYSTEM,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Traditionally, gift cards have been made available as physical objects (e.g., physical cards). The disadvantages of such conventional gift cards are that the users have to physically carry and present the card while making a purchase, and if the card is lost a replacement is generally unavailable. Alternatively, with the advances in electronic commerce and communications technology, virtual gift cards are gaining popularity because it resolves the issues encountered in physical gift cards. As a result, service providers are continually challenged to deliver value and convenience to consumers, by, for example, providing a system for managing the use, access, and interoperability of physical and virtual gift cards within a closed loop system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of components of the transaction platform  109 , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of a process for generating a card token for a virtual gift card and storing the card token in a wallet database, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of a process for initiating the activation of the mobile application to access the wallet database, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a process for validating a virtual gift card and updating the wallet database based on the validation response, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a process for sharing or sending a virtual gift card to another mobile device, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of registering and creating a wallet linked to a MSISDN number of at least one mobile device, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of refreshing the mobile device application, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of activating at least one virtual gift card, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of importing a physical gift card as a virtual gift card on a wallet associated with the MSISDN number of a mobile device, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a ladder diagram utilized in the virtual gift card redemption process, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of reloading one or more virtual gift cards, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of importing a sent email or a shared gift card to the receiver&#39;s MSISDN wallet, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of sending or sharing a virtual gift card, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 15A  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of importing a sent or shared virtual gift card to the receiver&#39;s wallet database associated with the MSISDN number of the at least one mobile device, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 15B  is a user interface diagram utilized in the process of linking a social media service application to a VGC App, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart of a process utilized in the functioning of the virtual gift cards in a wallet database, according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 17A-17I  are diagrams of user interfaces utilized in the processes of  FIGS. 3-6 , according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram of hardware that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram of a chip set that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram of a mobile terminal (e.g., handset) that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS 
     A method, apparatus, and software for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device are described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. 
     Gift cards have grown in popularity because of the convenience, and the security concerns associated with cash. Gift cards are generally received from a third-party and are associated with certain retailers or service providers. As used herein, a “gift card” refers to either a physical card (for example, a paper card with bar code, a plastic card with bar code or magnetic stripe, and a web pin code) or a virtual card that is associated with a monetary value that can be used to purchase or otherwise acquire products or services from a third-party. Such cards may also be in the form of closed-loop cards issued by a third-party. In one embodiment, a complete closed-loop gift card may have a unique card number and an International Article Number (EAN13) item code separately, or embedded in, the same EAN128 code. It is noted that although various embodiments are described here with respect to EAN13 and EAN128 codes, it is contemplated that the approaches described herein are applicable to any barcode standard or other standard for generating unique product identifiers used in commerce. 
     One traditional concern associated with gift cards is the need for consumers to carry the physical gift cards in order to user them. As a result, consumers may often find themselves in situations where they may want to use a gift card but find that they do not have current access to them. At the same time it is noted that with the popularity of mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, portable computers, etc.) increasing, users are more likely to carry their mobile devices than their gift cards. Therefore, to improve user experience with respect to gift cards, the system  100  introduces various methods for providing a gift card system that enables users to manage or otherwise use both physical and virtual gift cards in combination with mobile connected devices. In one embodiment, the system  100  enables virtual gift cards to be delivered via SMS and/or e-mail to a recipient, the benefits being that the delivered cards cannot be lost and that the consumer does not have to drive to a certain location to purchase a gift card. In one scenario, a physical gift card may be converted into a virtual gift card using a mobile device application as described herein. In another embodiment, a dummy plastic card with an EAN13 or other barcode/product identifier may be used to trigger the request for a virtual gift card. In a further embodiment, a mobile device application may be available to access virtual gift cards, whereby the users of the mobile devices may download a dedicated application to access the virtual gift cards. The mobile device applications may provide a wallet of all the cards linked to the MSISDN number in the system, and such data may be saved in a database for reference purposes. Although various embodiments are discussed with MSISDN as an example of a device identifier, it is contemplated that the various embodiments described herein are also applicable to any unique identifier associated with a user device. 
     In one embodiment, one or more users may download a mobile device application via their respective mobile devices through the communication network to perform all or a portion of the functions of the system described herein. Then, the users may enter their respective MSISDN number to create a wallet of cards linked to their respective MSISDN number. Subsequently, a token may be issued and sent by short message service (SMS) to the MSISDN number. The token must be entered to activate the wallet. In one embodiment, the card wallet is accessible with the mobile device application via a communication network, wherein the user enters the MSISDN number of the account, and then enters the security token sent to the registered MSISDN number. In another embodiment, the database of linked cards may include data elements such as: (1) an alias short number associated with a card number associated with a gift card; (2) one or more beneficiaries&#39; MSISDN or other device identifier; (3) one or more social network beneficiaries credentials; and (4) so on. In a further embodiment, mobile card details are automatically updated in the database after refreshing an electronic wallet via a communication network. 
     In one embodiment, the system  100  may link the virtual gift cards to the MSISDN number and may automatically add the virtual gift card to the corresponding wallet on the mobile device application after a retailer and/or merchant (the terms, retailer and merchant, are used interchangeably to refer to an entity that offers goods and/or services) operating a point-of-sale (POS) terminal in a store where the physical cards are sold, may request and key in the MSISDN number of the consumer during the activation process. Consequently, the mobile cards may be displayed on the mobile device application for usage. In one embodiment, the mobile device application may provide on demand a screen display of the balance of the virtual gift card, card detail, card transaction with amount, time and location where the money has been spent, and a bar code for transactions at a POS terminal, or a combination thereof. In addition, activation and/or redemption and/or reload and/or send and/or sharing of transactions are accessible in real time, directly from the mobile device application. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  comprises mobile device  101   a - 101   n  (collectively referred to as mobile device  101 ) that may include or be associated with applications  103   a - 103   n  (collectively referred to as applications  103 ), and sensors  105   a - 105   n  (collectively referred to as sensors  105 ). In one embodiment, the mobile device  101  has connectivity to the transaction platform  109  via the communication network  107 . 
     By way of example, the mobile device  101  is any type of mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio/video player, digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, or any combination thereof, including the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the mobile device  101  can support any type of interface to the user (such as “wearable” circuitry, etc.). 
     By way of example, the applications  103  may be any type of application that may perform various processes and/or functions at the mobile device  101 . In one embodiment, the applications  103  may be content (e.g., audio, video, images, etc.) provisioning applications, social networking applications, token assigning applications, location-based service applications, sensor monitoring applications, calendar applications, camera/imaging application, media player applications, social networking applications, and the like etc. In one embodiment, one of the applications  103  at the mobile device  101  may act as a client for the transaction platform  109  and perform one or more functions associated with the functions of the transaction platform  109 . 
     By way of example, the sensors  105  may be any type of sensor. In certain embodiments, the sensors  105  may include, for example, a network detection sensor for detecting wireless signals or receivers for different short-range communications (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared, Near Field Communication (NFC) etc.), temporal information sensors, a camera/imaging sensor for gathering image data, an audio recorder for gathering audio data, a global positioning sensor for gathering location data (e.g., GPS), and the like. 
     The communication network  107  of system  100  includes one or more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephony network, or any combination thereof. It is contemplated that the data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), short range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable or fiber-optic network, and the like, or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®, Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like, or any combination thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the transaction platform  109  may be a platform with multiple interconnected components. The transaction platform  109  may include multiple servers, intelligent networking devices, computing devices, components and corresponding software for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device. In one scenario, one or more users may download an application in at least one mobile device for registering and creating one or more virtual gift cards. Then, the transaction platform  109  may receive the MSISDN number, user identification information, or a combination thereof for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the MSISDN number associated with at least one mobile device. Subsequently, the transaction platform  109  may provide registration token for activating the linked virtual gift card to the MSISDN wallet. 
     In one embodiment, the transaction platform  109  may cause an addition of the one or more virtual gift cards to the corresponding MSISDN wallet based, at least in part, on a request from a cashier operating a point-of-sale (POS) terminal. The request involve the cashier entering the MSISDN number, scanning the bar code of the virtual gift card, swiping the magnetic stripe of the paper gift card, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the transaction platform  109  may cause a transmission of information from at least one POS terminal to the front server to authorize an activation of a virtual gift card transaction. Subsequently, the transaction platform  109  may cause a collection of an amount corresponding to the activation based, at least in part, on the response from the front end server. 
     In one embodiment, the transaction platform  109  may import one or more physical gift cards as the virtual gift cards on the MSISDN wallet. Then, the transaction platform  109  may cause a creation of one or more new card numbers with security digits, one or more new corresponding bar codes, or a combination thereof. The virtual gift cards with the new card number may be linked to several MSISDN wallets. In one scenario, the POS terminal operator may select a redemption transaction, a reload transaction, or a combination thereof. Then, the transaction platform  109  may cause a transmission of information by the POS terminal to the front server to authorize the redemption transaction, the reload transaction, or a combination thereof. Subsequently, the transaction platform  109  may authorize the redemption transaction, the reload transaction, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the response from the front server. 
     In one embodiment, the transaction platform  109  may share or send at least one virtual gift card between at least one user, at least one other user, or a combination thereof. The transaction platform  109  may cause a de-activation of the redemption transaction, the reload transaction, or a combination thereof from the MSISDN wallet of the at least one user sending the virtual gift card. In another embodiment, the transaction platform  109  may cause a presentation of the virtual gift card information in at least one mobile device. In one scenario, the virtual gift card information includes balance information, transaction information, temporal information, contextual information, or a combination thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the transaction platform  109  may include or have access to a database  111  to access or store any kind of data, such as token information, virtual gift card information, historical user information, user activity information, contextual information etc. Data stored in the database  111  may, for instance, be provided by the mobile device  101 , a service platform  113 , one or more services  115   a - 115   n  (or services  115 ), or one or more content providers  117   a - 117   n  (or content providers  117 ). In one embodiment, the database  111  may include an index for tokens, virtual gift cards, etc. and the transaction platform  109  may query the index based, at least in part, on a provided input, such as, from interacting with applications  103  via the mobile device  101 . 
     In one embodiment, the services platform  113  may include any type of service. By way of example, the services platform  113  may include social networking services, content (e.g., text, images, etc.) provisioning services, application services, storage services, contextual information determination services, location based services, information (e.g., time etc.) based services, etc. In one embodiment, the services platform  113  may interact with the mobile device  101 , the transaction platform  109  and the content providers  117  to supplement or aid in the processing of the content information. 
     In one embodiment, services  115  may be an online service that reflects the interests and/or activities of its users. In one scenario, the services  115  provide representations of each user (e.g., a profile), his/her social links, and a variety of additional information. The services  115  allow users to share activities information, contextual information, historical user information and interests within their individual networks, and provides for data portability. In one embodiment, information on virtual gift cards may be shared or transmitted via services  115 . 
     The content providers  117  may provide content to the mobile device  101 , the transaction platform  109 , and the services  115  of the services platform  113 . The content provided may be any type of content, such as textual content, image content, video content, etc. In one embodiment, the content providers  117  may provide content that may supplement content of the applications  103 , sensors  105 , or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the content providers  117  may also store content associated with the mobile device  101 , the transaction platform  109 , and the services  115  of the services platform  113 . In one embodiment, the content providers  117  may manage access to a central repository of data, and offer a consistent, standard interface to data. 
     By way of example, the mobile device  101 , the transaction platform  109 , the services platform  113 , and the content providers  117  communicate with each other and other components of the communication network  107  using well known, new, or still developing protocols. In this context, a protocol includes a set of rules defining how the network nodes within the communication network  107  interact with each other based on information sent over the communication links. The protocols are effective at different layers of operation within each node, from generating and receiving physical signals of various types, to selecting a link for transferring those signals, to the format of information indicated by those signals, to identifying which software applications executing on a computer system sends or receives the information. The conceptually different layers of protocols for exchanging information over a network are described in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model. 
     Communications between the network nodes are typically effected by exchanging discrete packets of data. Each packet typically comprises (1) header information associated with a particular protocol, and (2) payload information that follows the header information and contains information that may be processed independently of that particular protocol. In some protocols, the packet includes (3) trailer information following the payload and indicating the end of the payload information. The header includes information such as the source of the packet, its destination, the length of the payload, and other properties used by the protocol. Often, the data in the payload for the particular protocol includes a header and payload for a different protocol associated with a different, higher layer of the OSI Reference Model. The header for a particular protocol typically indicates a type for the next protocol contained in its payload. The higher layer protocol is said to be encapsulated in the lower layer protocol. The headers included in a packet traversing multiple heterogeneous networks, such as the Internet, typically include a physical (layer 1) header, a data-link (layer 2) header, an internetwork (layer 3) header and a transport (layer 4) header, and various application (layer 5, layer 6 and layer 7) headers as defined by the OSI Reference Model. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of the components of the transaction platform  109 , according to one embodiment. By way of example, the transaction platform  109  includes one or more components for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device, according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the transaction platform  109  includes an authentication module  201 , context processing module  203 , redemption module  205 , reloading module  207 , send/share module  209  and import module  211 . It is contemplated that the functions of these components may be combined in one or more components or performed by other components of equivalent functionality. 
     In one embodiment, an authentication module  201  authenticates users and mobile device  101  for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the MSISDN number. The authentication process performed by the authentication module  201  may include one or more users downloading a mobile application in their respective mobile device  101 , and then entering their MSISDN number to create a wallet of cards linked to their mobile device  101 . The authentication module  201  may receive and validate a login token as provided or established for a particular user during a registration process. In one scenario, the login process may be performed through an automated association of profile settings maintained with an IP address, a carrier detection signal of a mobile device  101 , mobile directory number (MDN), subscriber identity module (SIM) (e.g., of a SIM card), or other identifier. In another embodiment, the authentication module  201  may cause a transmission of information from at least one POS terminal to the front server to authorize an activation of a virtual gift card transaction. In a similar manner, the authentication module  201  may authorize redemption, reload, or a combination thereof of a virtual gift card transaction. 
     In one embodiment, the context processing module  203  may receive contextual information as gathered by the sensors  105  of the respective mobile device  101 . Once received, the context processing module  203  may analyze the contextual information to link one or more virtual gift cards to the MSISDN number associated with at least one mobile device. 
     In one embodiment, the redemption module  205  may cause redemption of amount in at least one virtual gift card at any POS terminal integrated into the system for payment of the purchased items. In one scenario, the POS terminal operator selects a redemption transaction, wherein the POS operator inputs the amount to be redeemed. Then, the POS terminal operator may scan the bar code or the magnetic stripe of the virtual gift card, whereby the POS terminal sends information message to the redemption module  205 . In one embodiment, the redemption module  205  may co-ordinate with the authentication module  201  to control the card and send a positive or negative response to the redemption request. 
     In one embodiment, the reloading module  207  may cause a reloading of one or more virtual gift cards. In one embodiment, the POS terminal operator selects an application to reload at least one virtual gift card, whereby the POS terminal operator may scan the bar code of the mobile device  101 , the card, or swipes the magnetic stripe of the card. Thereafter, the POS terminal may send information to the reloading module  207 . In one embodiment, the reloading module  207  may co-ordinate with the authentication module  201  to control the card and send a positive or a negative response to the reload request. 
     In one embodiment, the send/share module  209  allows holders to send or share their virtual gift cards with the users of other mobile device  101 . In one embodiment, the send/share module  209  allows the virtual gift cards to be shared wherein the virtual gift card may remain in the sender&#39;s wallet in the mobile device  101  and may be used by all holders. In another embodiment, if a virtual gift card is sent, redeem and reload functions are deactivated from the sender&#39;s wallet and the virtual gift card can only be used by the receiver. In one scenario, virtual gift cards may be shared by a cardholder with one or more family members. In one embodiment, the send/share module  209  may allow the virtual gift cards to be sent or shared via SMS or email. In one scenario, when a card holder sends or shares a virtual gift card, the send/share module  209  allows the card holders to write a message and/or upload a picture or a video which may be sent alongside the virtual gift card when the recipient receives it in his MSISDN wallet on the mobile application. In another scenario, the one or more virtual gift cards may come with a link of one or more photos and/or videos and/or audios attached to it, for instance, B2B cards sent by a corporate entity to the mobile phones of its employee with a video of the CEO. 
     In one embodiment, the import module  211  may allow the physical gift cards to be directly imported after activation by linking the physical gift card to the MSISDN number of that wallet. In another embodiment, the import module  211  may cause an import of the physical gift cards by entering card number as well as the web pin code of the card in the mobile application. 
     The above presented modules and components of the transaction platform  109  can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. Though depicted as a separate entity in  FIG. 1 , it is contemplated that the transaction platform  109  may be implemented for direct operation by the respective mobile device  101 . As such, the transaction platform  109  may generate direct signal inputs by way of the operating system of the mobile device  101  for interacting with the applications  103 . In another embodiment, one or more of the modules  201 - 211  may be implemented for operation by the respective mobile device  101 , the transaction platform  109 , or a combination thereof. Still further, the transaction platform  109  may be integrated for direct operation with services  115 , such as in the form of a widget or applet, in accordance with an information and/or subscriber sharing arrangement. The various executions presented herein contemplate any and all arrangements and models. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart of a process for generating a card token for a virtual gift card and storing the card token in a wallet database, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the transaction platform  109  performs the process  300  and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     In step  301 , the transaction platform  109  receives a request for registering a virtual gift card to a mobile device, wherein the request specifies a unique identifier associated with the mobile device. In one embodiment, the unique identifier associated with the mobile device is a MSISDN number. In one example embodiment, one or more users may download a mobile application in their mobile device  101 . Then, the user may enter their MSISDN number to create a wallet to link one or more virtual gift cards. In one scenario, virtual gift cards may include a paper gift card with a bar code, a plastic gift card with a bar code or a magnetic stripe, a computer-generated gift card with a bar code, or a combination thereof. 
     In step  303 , the transaction platform  109  determines a card identifier associated with the virtual gift card. In one embodiment, the card identifier associated with the virtual gift card is an EAN-13 barcode. In one example embodiment, one or more gift cards may be equipped with a special barcode, generally in the EAN-13 format, to facilitate their processing. 
     In step  305 , the transaction platform  109  generates a card token for the virtual gift card based on the card identifier. In one scenario, the transaction platform  109  may issue a token for a virtual gift card. The transaction platform  109  may send the token to the MSISDN number via SMS. The receive token must be entered to activate the wallet. 
     In step  307 , the transaction platform  109  stores the card token in a wallet database. In one embodiment, the wallet database is associated with the unique identifier of the mobile device. In another embodiment, the wallet database is accessed from an application of the mobile device. In one scenario, the mobile application provides a wallet to store one or more virtual gift cards linked to one MSISDN number. In one scenario, one or more gift cards in the wallet database may be associated with an alias short number, one or more beneficiaries&#39; MSISDN and one or more social network beneficiaries&#39; credentials. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart of a process for initiating the activation of the mobile application to access the wallet database, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the transaction platform  109  performs the process  400  and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     In step  401 , the transaction platform  109  receives a request from the mobile device for an activation of the application to access the wallet database, wherein the request specifies the unique identifier. In one scenario, a user may download a virtual gift card (VGC) application in his/her mobile device  101 . Then, the user may provide contextual information and send a registration request. The user may receive a registration response with a token. Subsequently, the user may enter the token to activate the mobile application for accessing the wallet database for all cards linked to the one MSISDN number. 
     In step  403 , the transaction platform  109  initiates a transmission of a security token to the mobile device. In one scenario, the user of a mobile device  101  may receive a token for activating the feature of adding virtual gift cards to the wallet database. In one example embodiment, the wallet database stores the monetary value of one or more virtual gift cards, and enables a transaction (e.g., transfer of the value of the virtual gift cards from the buyer to the vendor) via a mobile device  101 . 
     In step  405 , the transaction platform  109  initiates the activation of the application based on a validated input of the security token entered via the application. In one scenario, the wallet database is accessible via mobile application downloaded in a mobile device  101 . The user may enter their MSISDN number, and then enter their security token sent to the registered MSISDN number. 
     In step  407 , the transaction platform  109  initiates a transmission of one or more records of the wallet database to populate the application with the virtual gift card. In one embodiment, the one or more records include information associated with the virtual gift card, the card identifier, the card token, or a combination thereof. In one scenario, the information associated with virtual gift card includes card balance information, card transaction information, date, time and place of transaction, etc. In another scenario, the card identifier information may include barcode information for card identification (e.g., EAN-13). In a further scenario, the card token information may include a code, a personal identification number (PIN), etc. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a process for validating a virtual gift card and updating the wallet database based on the validation response, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the transaction platform  109  performs the process  500  and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     In step  501 , the transaction platform  109  may receive a request for registering the virtual gift card by at least one of (a) scanning of a physical gift card, (b) a point-of-sale transaction, (c) an input for specifying the virtual gift card, the product identifier, a PIN of the virtual gift card, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the transaction platform  109  may receive a validation request from a point-of-sale terminal to validate the point-of-sale transaction associated with the virtual gift card. In one scenario, the POS terminal operator may scan the barcode of at least one virtual gift card. This result in the POS terminal sending the information to the transaction platform  109  to control the virtual card and authorize the transaction. In one scenario, the transaction may include activation, redemption, reloading, sharing, and so on. 
     In step  503 , the transaction platform  109  may initiate a validation of the virtual gift card by querying the wallet database to determine a validation response. 
     In step  505 , the transaction platform  109  may transmit the validation response to the point-of-sale terminal. In one scenario, the POS terminal may send an information message to the transaction platform  109  to authorize a transaction. The transaction platform  109  sends back a response that can be either a positive response or a negative response. If the response is positive, the activation, redemption, reloading, sharing, sending, or a combination thereof of the virtual gift card may be in effect. 
     In step  507 , the transaction platform  109  may update the wallet database based on the validation response, the point-of-sale transaction, or a combination thereof to refresh the application of the mobile device. In one scenario, if the transaction platform  109  approves the activation, or a reload or a redemption of a virtual gift card, the balance and status of the virtual gift card immediately changes. The wallet database is updated at the first refresh following the transaction. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a process for sharing or sending a virtual gift card to another mobile device, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the transaction platform  109  performs the process  600  and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     In step  601 , the transaction platform  109  may generate a short card number to represent the virtual gift card. In one scenario, at least one virtual gift card linked to the MSISDN number may have a new short card number with four security digits. The at least one virtual gift card may be linked with this short card number to several MSISDN number wallets. 
     In step  603 , the transaction platform  109  may generate a device-specific card number based on the short card number and the unique identifier of the mobile. In one embodiment, the device-specific card number is used for conducting one or more transactions associated with the virtual gift card. 
     In step  605 , the transaction platform  109  may receive a share request, a send request, or a combination thereof from the mobile device to share, to send, or a combination thereof the virtual gift card to another mobile device. In one embodiment, for a share request, the wallet database is updated to register the virtual gift card as active for the mobile device and the another mobile device. In another embodiment, for a send request, the wallet database is updated to register the virtual card as active for the another mobile device and as inactive for the mobile device. In a further embodiment, the share request, the send request, or a combination thereof is initiated via a social networking service, an email service, a messaging service, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the share request, the send request, or combination thereof include one or more criteria for the another mobile device to satisfy before registering the virtual gift card to the another mobile device. The one or more criteria include playing a game, completing a task, or a combination thereof associated with the application. 
       FIG. 7  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of registering and creating a wallet linked to a MSISDN number of at least one mobile device, according to one embodiment. In step  707 , the customer  701  of the mobile device  703  scans a quick response (QR) code and/or downloads a link associated with at least one message and/or search for a virtual gift card application (VGC App). Once the VGC App is downloaded the customer  701  may open the application and provide one or more contextual information associated with the mobile device  703  (step  709 ). In step  711 , the mobile device  703  may send the contextual information, alongside the registration request, over the internet to the gift card system (GCS)  705 , whereby the GCS  705  may add the contextual information, if not already existing, therein. Thereupon, the GCS  705  may send a registration response to the mobile device  703  in a message format with a token (step  713 ). Subsequently, the customer  701  may enter the received message token (step  715 ), which may trigger the mobile device  703  to send a registration confirmation request to the GCS  705  (step  717 ). Thereafter, the GCS  705  may verify the mobile phone number and the message token upon confirmation that the information is accurate, a registration confirmation may be sent (step  719 ). However, if the information provided does not conform, an error message may be sent to the mobile device  703 . 
       FIG. 8  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of refreshing the mobile device application, according to one embodiment. In step  807 , the receiving customer  801  may cause refreshing of the mobile device application by pressing the refresh tab displayed in the user interface of the mobile device  803 , whereupon the mobile device  803  may send a request for the updated information on the one or more products, one or more resources, one or more cards to GCS  805  (step  809 ). Then, GCS  805  may process the request and verify the information of mobile device  803  (step  811 ) and upon confirmation send the requested information to the mobile device  803  (step  813 ), whereupon the mobile device application may be refreshed, or may simply display a new gift card icon on the mobile gift application. 
       FIG. 9  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of activating at least one virtual gift card, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the system is composed of a POS terminal, front servers and a database server. All the data of the system is centralized in one central database server, communicating with front servers, which communicate through gateways with the POS terminals. With a POS terminal application or an application programming interface (API) operated by the POS terminal operator, all the POS are integrated and connected to the front servers. In one embodiment, a web based back office interface software accessible via the communication network allows the entire monitoring of the gift card system which may include, but is not limited to, integration of the system into a company&#39;s organization and front office, definition and configuration of card types and properties, making card printing orders, generating card numbers, generating reports, managing customer service, etc. Further, the card number may be encrypted for communication purposes. 
     In one embodiment, the physical gift cards as well as the virtual gift cards must be activated at a POS terminal. The process of activating one or more virtual gift cards includes the following steps: 
     (i) First, the POS terminal operator selects on the POS terminal application the activation transaction. Alternatively, the card item EAN13 barcode is part of an item category which triggers the activation process.
 
(ii) Second, the POS terminal operator scans the bar code or swipes the magnetic stripe of the card, whereby the POS terminal sends an information message to the front server to control the card and authorize the activation transaction.
 
(iii) Third, the front server sends back a response that can be either positive or negative to the transaction authorization request, and a unique reference number is attributed by the system to the transaction.
 
(iv) Fourth, if the response is positive, the amount of money corresponding to the activation is collected by the POS terminal operator.
 
(v) Fifth, the POS operator hits the confirm button or cancel button in the POS terminal application and a confirmation or cancellation message is sent to server for this activation, respectively.
 
     In one embodiment, once the activation is confirmed, the balance and status of the card immediately changes in the system. In addition, the corresponding wallet database associated with the MSISDN number is also updated at the first refresh following the transaction. Further, a receipt is automatically printed, with the reference number of the transaction, the card number and the new balance of the card. In one scenario, plastic cards and/or dummy cards can become virtual gift cards and loaded directly in the mobile device application. When the activation process is confirmed, a window pops up on the POS terminal screen to request the MSISDN from the consumer. By entering the corresponding MSISDN number in the POS terminal application during the activation, the POS terminal operator will associate the card number with the MSISDN in the server database. If the MSISDN number is unknown in the database, an SMS may be sent to the MSISDN to explain the process to load the mobile application. In addition, a link to each loading platform will be displayed. 
     In step  909 , the customer  901  provides the cashier  903  with the gift card and the contextual information, for example, product information, mobile device information, amount information etc. Then, the cashier  903  may scan the bar code of the gift card and enter the amount of the gift card alongside the mobile phone number (step  911 ) and transmit the information to the electronic cash register (ECR)  905 , which upon verification of the information, may send the request for gift card activation to GCS  907  (step  913 ). At this point, the GCS  907  may link the mobile phone number to the gift card number and/or activate the card, and update the information and/or send information to the customer  901  to download the VGC App (step  915 ). In step  917 , the GCS  907  may send a gift card activation response to the cashier  903  via ECR  905  (step  917  and  919 ), whereupon the cashier  903  may print a receipt with other contextual information (step  919 ), and may confirm with the customer (step  921 ). In another scenario, the customer may confirm the and pay the amount of the gift card to cashier  903  (step  923 ), then the cashier  903  may acknowledge receipt of payment and press the confirm tab thereby transmitting the information to ECR  905  (step  925 ), whereupon ECR  905  may send a gift card activation request to GCS  907  (step  927 ) whereupon GCS  907  may link the mobile phone number to the gift card number and/or activate the card and update the information and/or send information to the customer  901  to download the VGC App (step  929 ). On the other hand, if the customer  901  does not pay (step  931 ) then cashier  903  may press the cancel transaction tab and the information with regards to the cancelled transaction may be transmitted to ECR  905  (step  933 ), thereupon the gift card cancel request may be sent to GCS  907  whereupon GCS  907  may mark the activation request for the gift card as cancelled and/or mark the generated gift card number as invalid (steps  935 ,  937 ). 
       FIG. 10  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of importing a physical gift card as a virtual gift card on a wallet associated with the MSISDN number of a mobile device, according to one embodiment. In one scenario, the plastic and/or paper cards can be directly imported after activation by their holder in a MSISDN wallet associated with the MSISDN number of a mobile device. To do this, the user must link the virtual gift card to the wallet associated with the MSISDN number of a mobile device by inputting the virtual gift card number and the web pin code in the mobile application. Subsequently, the virtual gift card is added to the wallet after the user prompts a page refresh. In one embodiment, when a card is linked to the wallet, a new short card number with four security digits may be created, resulting in a new corresponding bar code generated for this card and the wallet only. This means that one virtual gift card can be linked with this short card number to several other wallet associated with the MSISDN number of a mobile device. The purpose is of this short card number is to ensure security against fraud and to allow the system to identify, in the case of a shared card, which wallet is operating which transaction. The new short card number may change overtime and may be synchronized with the POS terminals. In step  1007 , the customer  1001  may initiate importing a physical card as a mobile card on a MSISDN wallet by launching the mobile device gift card application and then clicking the import tab and providing the physical gift card number and the web pin code via mobile device  1003 . Then, in step  1009 , the mobile device  1003  sends an import request via https over the internet to the GCS  1005  (step  1009 ), whereby the GCS  1005  may generate a short gift card number and link the gift card number to the mobile phone number and provide the obtained information to mobile device  1003  (step  1011 ). 
       FIG. 11  is a ladder diagram utilized in the virtual gift card redemption process, according to one embodiment. In one scenario, if allowed by card configuration, a card holder may ask for the redemption of the amount on his/her card at any POS terminals integrated into the system for payment of purchased items. The process for operating card redemption includes the following steps: 
     (i) First, the POS terminal operator selects the redemption transaction on the POS terminal application. The POS operator inputs the amount of money to be redeemed for this transaction.
 
(ii) Second, the POS terminal operator scans the bar code or the magnetic stripe of the card. The POS terminal then sends an information message to the front server to control the card and authorize the redemption transaction.
 
(iii) Third, the front server responds either a positively or negatively to the transaction authorization request, and the system attributes a unique reference number by to the transaction. If the response is positive, the POS operator hits the confirm button or cancel button in the POS terminal application, and conversely, a confirmation or cancellation message is sent to server for this redemption in the case of a negative response.
 
(iv) Fourth, if the redemption is confirmed, the balance and status of the card immediately changes in the system. In addition, the wallet is also updated pursuant to the first refresh following the transaction. Subsequently, a receipt is automatically printed, with the reference number or the transaction, the card number, and the new balance of the card.
 
     In step  1109 , the customer  1101  may provide the cashier  1103  with the virtual gift card bar code and the amount that is to be redeemed. The cashier  1103  may scan the virtual gift card bar code and may enter the amount that is to be redeemed (step  1111 ) and transmit the information to the ECR  1105 . Upon verification of the information, the ECR  1105  may send a request for redeeming the gift card (step  1113 ). Then, the GCS  1107  may provide with the authorization for redeeming the gift card (step  1115 ), and provide a response to the ECR  1105  (step  1117 ). At this point, the ECR  1105  may transmit the response to the cashier  1103 , who may print a receipt of the response for redeeming the gift card, and the receipt may include a mobile phone number and the amount information etc. (step  1119 ). Then, the cashier  1103  may confirm with the customer  1101  that the instruction received conforms to the instructions provided by the customer  1101  (step  1121 ). In step  1123 , the customer  1101  may confirm the payment regarding the virtual gift card with the cashier  1103 , as a result of which the cashier  1103  may confirm the process for redeeming the gift card by pressing the confirm tab (step  1125 ). The confirmation may be transmitted to ECR  1105  and may be further transmitted to GCS  1107  upon verification of information (step  1127 ). Subsequently, GCS  1107  may update the balance information of the gift card (step  1129 ). On the other hand, if the customer  1101  decides not to proceed with the process for redeeming the gift card, the customer  1101  may inform the cashier  1103  (step  1131 ), and the cashier  1103  may press the cancel tab, thereby cancelling the request for redeeming the gift card (step  1133 ). The request for cancellation of the redemption process may be sent by the ECR  1105  to the GCS  1107  (step  1135 ), upon which the GCS  1107  may mark the request for redeeming the gift card as cancelled (step  1137 ). 
       FIG. 12  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of reloading one or more virtual gift cards, according to one embodiment. In one scenario, a card holder may reload his/her gift card at the POS terminal if allowed by the card configuration. The process of reloading a card include the following steps: 
     (i) First, the POS terminal operator selects the reload transaction on the POS terminal application
 
(ii) Second, the POS terminal operator scans the bar code of the mobile device or swipes the magnetic stripe of the card, and then sends an information message to the front server to control the card and authorize the reload transaction.
 
(iii) Third, the front server responds either positively or negatively to the transaction authorization request, and a unique reference number is attributed by the system to the transaction. If the response is positive, the amount of money corresponding to the reload is collected by POS terminal operator.
 
(iv) Fourth, the POS operator hits confirm or cancel button in the POS terminal application and respectively, a confirmation or cancellation message is sent to the server for this reload. If the reload is confirmed, the balance and status of the card immediately changes in the system. The MSISDN wallet is updated at the first refresh following the transaction. In addition, a receipt is automatically printed, with the reference number of the transaction, the card number, and the new balance of the card.
 
     In step  1209 , customer  1201  may provide cashier  1203  with a virtual gift card bar code and the information amount for reloading the gift card. The cashier  1203  may scan the bar code and enter the amount into the system (step  1211 ). The cashier  1203  may provide the information to the ECR  1205 , whereupon the ECR  1205  may send a reload request to the GCS  1207  (step  1213 ). In step  1215 , the GCS  1207  may process the request for reloading the gift card and may provide a confirmation upon verification of all the required information. In step  1217 , GCS  1207  may provide ECR  1205  with the response regarding the reloading of the gift card. The ECR  1205  upon receiving a reload confirmation may print the receipt with the reference number, the gift cards reference number, mobile phone number, and the reload amount, whereupon the ECR  1205  sends the instructions to cashier  1203  (step  1219 ). Subsequently, the information may be provided to the customer  1201  for confirmation (step  1221 ). In step  1223 , the customer  1201  may confirm the receipt information and make the payment for the requested reload of the gift card. Then, the cashier  1203 , upon receiving the payment, may confirm the payment by pressing the confirm tab, whereby the payment confirmation information may be transmitted to the ECR  1205  (step  1225 ). Subsequently, the gift card reload confirmation request may be sent by the ECR  1205  to the GCS  1207 . In step  1229 , the GCS  1207  may update the balance for the gift card by reloading the gift card with the amount paid by the customer  1201 . On the other hand, if the customer  1201  does not pay (step  1231 ), the cashier  1203  may cancel the transaction for reload by pressing the cancel tab (step  1233 ). Then, the information may be relayed to the ECR  1205  and the GCS  1207  (steps  1233  and  1235 ) whereby the GCS  1207  may update its record by marking the request for reloading the gift card as cancelled (step  1237 ). 
       FIG. 13  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of importing a sent email or a shared gift card to the receiver&#39;s MSISDN wallet, according to one embodiment. In step  1307 , customer  1301  may launch the VGC application in his mobile device  1303 , and then customer  1301  may click the import tab and enter the token information. Successively, the mobile device  1303  may send import requests via the communication network to the gift card system (GCS)  1305  (step  1309 ). This initiates importing of sent email or shared gift cards to the receiver&#39;s MSISDN wallet. In step  1311 , the GCS  1305  finds the gift card number with the email token and links the gift card number to the unique identifier of the mobile device (e.g., MSISDN number) for importing sent email or a shared gift cards. Then, the GCS  1305  may send the import response to mobile device  1303  (step  1313 ). 
       FIG. 14  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of sending or sharing a virtual gift card, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, virtual gift card holders may send or share (depending on the card configuration) their virtual gift cards to other users of one or more mobile device  1403 . In one scenario, if the virtual gift card is shared, the card remains in the sender&#39;s wallet in the mobile application and can be used by all holders. However, if the virtual gift card is sent, redeem and reload function for the virtual gift card is deactivated from the sender&#39;s wallet, and can only be used by the receiver. Additionally, the sent function may become a resend function whereby the sender is allowed to resend the card to the same or other beneficiary. In this case, the last MSISDN in the database will be allowed to redeem the card. 
     In step  1407 , the sender/customer  1401  may launch the VGC App in the mobile device  1403 . Then, the sender/customer  1401  may select a virtual gift card to send or share. Subsequently, the sender/customer  1401  may select and/or enter the receiver of the gift card. In one scenario, the sender/customer  1401  may select the receiver via SMS by, for example, selecting a person from their contacts or entering the receiver&#39;s mobile phone number. In one scenario, the sender/customer  1401  may select the recipients via email, whereby the sender/customer  1401  may enter their contacts or respective email addresses. In one scenario, the sender/customer  1401  may also utilize social networking services and/or contextual information determination services to select one or more recipients. In step  1409 , the mobile device  1403  may transmit the information provided by the sender/customer  1401  alongside a transfer request via the internet to the gift card system (GCS)  1405 . In step  1411 , the GCS  1405  may initiate the process for sending or sharing the virtual gift card via SMS and/or email and/or social networking services. In one scenario, the GCS  1405  may share the gift card via SMS by adding a link of the mobile phone number to the gift card number. In one scenario, the GCS  1405  may share the gift card via email by generating a transfer token for email. In one scenario, the GCS  1405  may share the gift card via social networking services, wherein the mobile phone number may be linked with the social networking ID before linking the mobile phone number to the gift card number (step  1413 ). However, if there is no mobile phone number, then the sender/customer  1401  may wait for the receiver/customer to install and open the VGC application, finish the registration process, and then log into the social networking services application. Next, the GCS  1405  may transfer the response to the mobile device  1403 , followed by the mobile device  1403  sending or sharing an SMS or email with the token embedded therein, or posting messages to the social networking services for sending or sharing of the virtual gift cards. In one scenario, this process may be undertaken to select at least one friend from the list of friends in the at least one social networking services. It is not necessary for the users to select the at least one friend through their mobile device  101 , neither is there a need for the one or more senders to enter the receiver&#39;s mobile numbers. The list of friends for at least one social networking service may be displayed in the user interface of the mobile device  101  by their respective social networking application. Then, the social networking application may cause a presentation guiding the user to add the recipient from the list. In one scenario, the at least one user of the mobile device  101  may use the social networking services API, thereby creating an intent interface between the VGC App and the social networking application. 
       FIG. 15A  is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of importing a sent or shared virtual gift card to the receiver&#39;s wallet database associated with the MSISDN number of the at least one mobile device, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the virtual gift cards may be sent or shared through an internet social network. The mobile application may be linked to the API of the social network via a gateway, or communicate with the social network&#39;s application resident in the mobile device  1503  via intents. In one scenario, the holder of a virtual gift card may log his social network credentials into the mobile application settings, wherein the holder may select a receiver in his/her contacts list in the social network. Subsequently, the receiver may be informed by a post on his/her social media account. In one scenario, the MSISDN number of the holder may be associated with his/her social media account. Consequently, a notification may appear in the mobile application. As soon as the receiver opens his/her mobile application, the virtual gift card may pop up in the application cover flow. In one embodiment, when a card is sent or shared through an internet social network, the operation is published into the public news feed of the target receiver, this publication may include an invite by the host, thereby giving an opportunity to the contacts to know more about the system, to download the mobile application, and also possibly benefit from promotional offers that they can accept by entering their MSISDN number. This feature adds a viral marketing side to the social network sending or sharing of a virtual gift card. In one scenario, when the user receives a sent and/or shared virtual gift card in his MSISDN wallet on the mobile application, the receiver is given the opportunity to enjoy his/her gift by playing a game embedded in the application before accessing the new card. In one scenario, a virtual gift card may be sent or shared via e-mail. Further, the receiver may receive a token to add the card to his/her wallet database associated with the MSISDN number of the mobile device  1503 . In one scenario, one or more virtual gift cards can be sent or shared via SMS, wherein the receiver receives an SMS notification of the virtual gift card, while the virtual gift card is automatically added to its wallet database of the MSISDN number of the mobile device  1503 . Further, when a card holder sends or shares a card, he may write a message, take or upload a photo, record or upload a video. These contents may be attached to the virtual gift card (e.g. using the photo, video and messaging features of the mobile device  1503 ) for the recipient to receive it in his/her wallet database. In one scenario, the system operates a reconciliation process at the end of every accounting day. This daily reconciliation consists of comparing past day&#39;s transaction records of the database, and the POS terminals in order to identify the potential anomalies that may have occurred. 
     In step  1507  the receiver/customer  1501  may download gift cards links in SMS and/or email and/or web page links guided by the at least one social networking services. In step  1509 , the receiver/customer  1501  may download the virtual gift card (VGC) application in the mobile device  1503  and complete the registration process. 
     In one scenario, the VGC application may be linked with the gift card (step  1511 ). The mobile device  1503  may request for product information and/or resources and/or gift card information from the GCS  1505  (step  1513 ), whereupon the GCS  1505  may verify the information, and may deliver the information accordingly (step  1515 ). In step  1517 , the mobile device  1503  may automatically load the gift card if the data is received via SMS. However, if the data is received via email, then the import function may be used to import the gift card with token in the email. 
     In one scenario, the mobile device  1503  may request for product information and/or resources and/or gift card information from the GCS  1505  (step  1519 ), whereupon the GCS  1505  may verify the information, and may deliver the information accordingly (step  1523 ). If the information is received via social networking services then the customer needs to login to the social networking application (steps  1525  and  1527 ). Then, the mobile device  1503  may link the social networking requests to the GCS  1505  (step  1529 ) whereby the GCS  1505  may link the social networking services identification to the mobile phone number (step  1531 ). Subsequently, the GCS  1505  may send a response to the mobile device  1503  pertaining to social network request link. In step  1533 , the mobile device  1503  may request product information and/or resources and/or card requests from the GCS  1505  after linking the social network. In one scenario, the link may be automated for at least one social networking service wherein user login may not be required. The social networking services API and/or an intent interface between the VGC App and the social networking services application may emulate the at least one social networking service displaying the list of friends and/or a message input. In one scenario, the receiver&#39;s social networking profile may be sent to the GCS  1505 , wherein the virtual gift card is automatically presented via social networking services API and/or an intent interface between the VGC App and the social networking services application. Then, upon verification of the information, the GCS  1505  may provide the mobile device  1503  with the requested information (step  1535 ). Further, the information may be displayed on the user interface of the mobile device  1503  (step  1537 ). 
       FIG. 15B  is a user interface diagram utilized in the process of linking a social media service application to a VGC App, according to one embodiment. In one scenario, the user interface of the at least one mobile device  101  (step  1539 ) may cause a presentation of a gift card (step  1541 ) whereby the at least one user is guided to click on the gift card icon (step  1543 ) to select the gift card in the list or the cover flow. Once the user clicks on the gift card icon (step  1541 ), the user may be prompted with the option of choosing one of the many action items, for instance, redeeming the gift cards (step  1547 ), or reloading the gift cards (step  1549 ), or sending/sharing the gift cards (step  1551 ), or details of the gift cards (step  1553 ), or refreshing the gift cards (step  1555 ), or cancelling the gift cards (step  1557 ). In one scenario, the user may choose to send the gift card to at least one recipient whereby the user may choose an option to check into a social networking service (step  1559 ). Subsequently, the user may choose a recipient from the list of contacts in the social networking service (step  1561 ). There is no need for the user to enter the receiver&#39;s phone number as the list of contacts displayed by the social networking service application is descriptive. In addition, the user may leave a personal message to the recipient of the virtual gift card (step  1563 ). In one scenario, the social network service API or an intent interface between the VGC App and the social networking services application may assist the user in selecting a recipient from the list. The user may select a recipient (step  1565 ). Consequently, the user may be prompted to enter a message for the recipient (step  1567 ). The entered message may be posted on the social networking service profile of the recipient (step  1569 ). In one scenario, there may be an option of switching to a gift card URL where any social network friend of the recipient can input their MSISDN and receive a gift card or may add money to the gift card (step  1571 ). 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart of a process utilized in the functioning of the virtual gift cards in a wallet database, according to one example embodiment. In one scenario, one or more customers may purchase a new virtual gift card (step  1601 ). The customer may proceed with the activation of the virtual gift card, if the VGC application is already installed in the mobile device  101  and the mobile phone number is registered (step  1603 ). If the VGC application is not installed, the customer needs to download and install the VGC application (step  1605 ). In one scenario, if the wallet database already contains information on one or more one other virtual gift cards, the gift cards list and the balance information may be updated with the addition of the new gift card information (step  1607 ). In one scenario, the VGC application may be utilized for reloading and/or redemption of the one or more gift cards (step  1609 ). In one scenario, the one or more physical and/or virtual gift cards may be imported as per requirement (step  1611 ). In one scenario, the one or more virtual gift cards may be sent or shared with other customer as per requirement (step  1613 ). In one scenario, a receiving customer may receive a virtual gift card from a sending customer and may active the card in the manner aforementioned (step  1615 ). In the last phase of the process, the customer is given an option to cancel the entire transaction (step  1617 ), if the customer so wishes, he/she may cancel the transaction (step  1621 ). In another scenario, if the customer wishes to cancel the transaction after purchasing the new virtual gift card (step  1619 ), the customer may cancel the transaction by providing required gift card information (step  1621 ). 
       FIGS. 17A-17I  are diagrams of user interfaces utilized in the processes of  FIGS. 3-6 , according to various embodiments.  FIG. 17A  represents a scenario wherein at least one user downloads an application (e.g. VGC App) in his/her mobile device  101  to use the one or more virtual gift cards [ 1701 ,  1703 ].  FIG. 17B  represents a scenario wherein an application (e.g. VGC App) is successfully installed in the mobile device  101 , and the user initiates the registration process for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device. In one scenario, the registration process may involve the mobile application prompting the user to enter his/her name (step  1705 ), email-id (step  1707 ), mobile phone number (step  1709 ), create password of choice (step  1711 ) and others. The user may provide the information to the service provider by clicking submit (step  1713 ). In one scenario, the registration process may involve adding one or more social network links by default (steps  1715 ,  1717 ), for example, the installed mobile application (e.g. VGC App) may be linked to the ABX networking services (step  1715 ).  FIG. 17C  represents a scenario in which the installed mobile application may prompt a user to buy a new virtual gift card (step  1717 ). In one scenario, the mobile application may prompt the user to refresh the list for gift cards and their balance upon determination that the user has previously used virtual gift cards (step  1719 ). In another scenario, virtual gift cards may be refreshed upon confirmation of the redemption request and/or reload request for at least one virtual gift card.  FIG. 17D  represents a scenario of importing one or more plastic and/or paper gift cards after activation by their holder in the wallet database of a mobile device  101 . In one scenario, the mobile application may link the physical gift card to the wallet database based, at least in part, on card number, token information, web pin code of the card and so on. In one example embodiment, the user of a mobile device  101  may import a plastic and/or a paper gift card by entering the card number (step  1721 ) and the pin number (step  1723 ), or the user may enter a token received via email. Then, the user may submit the entered information by clicking confirm (step  1725 ) to import the plastic and/or paper gift cards. In another scenario, the user has the option of voiding the transaction by clicking void (step  1727 ).  FIG. 17E  represents the process of sending or sharing the virtual gift cards with other users of mobile device  101 . In one scenario, the mobile application is linked to the API of the social network via a gateway, whereby the user may enter the receiver&#39;s social network credentials (steps  1729 ,  1731 ). Further, the user may either select a recipient from his contacts list or enter the mobile device number of the recipient (step  1733 ). Subsequently, the sender may either confirm sending or sharing of the gift card by clicking confirm (step  1735 ) or may cancel the transaction by clicking void (step  1737 ). In one scenario, the recipient may be notified via a post on his social media account.  FIG. 17F  represents a scenario wherein the user of a mobile device  101  receives a virtual gift card from the holder of the virtual gift card. In one scenario, when a user receives a sent or shared virtual gift card in his/her MSISDN wallet on the mobile application (step  1739 ), the user has the option to either accept the gift card (step  1741 ) or reject the gift card by clicking void (step  1743 ).  FIG. 17G  represents a scenario for reloading or redeeming virtual gift cards. In one scenario, the user may enter the gift card number (step  1745 ) and the amount (step  1751 ) that is to be redeemed from the virtual gift card. In another scenario, a user may reload at least one gift card whereby the user may enter the gift card number (step  1745 ), credit/debit card number (step  1747 ), the card security code (step  1749 ) and the reload amount (step  1751 ). Subsequently, the user has the option to either validate the transaction by clicking confirm (step  1753 ), or cancelling the entire transaction for reloading or redeeming a gift card by pressing void (step  1755 ).  FIG. 17H  represents the process of cancelling a transaction. In one scenario, the user may simply enter the reference number (step  1757 ) of the transaction he/she wishes to cancel. In another scenario, the user may enter the gift card number and the pin code of the gift card to cancel the transaction. Subsequently, the user may click void after providing the required information for cancelling the transaction (step  1759 ).  FIG. 17I  is a user interface representation of a confirmation presented to the at least one user of a mobile device  101  that the transaction has been annulled (step  1761 ). 
     The processes described herein for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device may be advantageously implemented via software, hardware, firmware or a combination of software and/or firmware and/or hardware. For example, the processes described herein, may be advantageously implemented via processor(s), Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc. Such exemplary hardware for performing the described functions is detailed below. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a computer system  1800  upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Although computer system  1800  is depicted with respect to a particular device or equipment, it is contemplated that other devices or equipment (e.g., network elements, servers, etc.) within  FIG. 18  can deploy the illustrated hardware and components of system  1800 . Computer system  1800  is programmed (e.g., via computer program code or instructions) to link one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device as described herein and includes a communication mechanism such as a bus  1810  for passing information between other internal and external components of the computer system  1800 . Information (also called data) is represented as a physical expression of a measurable phenomenon, typically electric voltages, but including, in other embodiments, such phenomena as magnetic, electromagnetic, pressure, chemical, biological, molecular, atomic, sub-atomic and quantum interactions. For example, north and south magnetic fields, or a zero and non-zero electric voltage, represent two states ( 0 ,  1 ) of a binary digit (bit). Other phenomena can represent digits of a higher base. A superposition of multiple simultaneous quantum states before measurement represents a quantum bit (qubit). A sequence of one or more digits constitutes digital data that is used to represent a number or code for a character. In some embodiments, information called analog data is represented by a near continuum of measurable values within a particular range. Computer system  1800 , or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device. 
     A bus  1810  includes one or more parallel conductors of information so that information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus  1810 . One or more processors  1802  for processing information are coupled with the bus  1810 . 
     A processor (or multiple processors)  1802  performs a set of operations on information as specified by computer program code related to link one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device. The computer program code is a set of instructions or statements providing instructions for the operation of the processor and/or the computer system to perform specified functions. The code, for example, may be written in a computer programming language that is compiled into a native instruction set of the processor. The code may also be written directly using the native instruction set (e.g., machine language). The set of operations include bringing information in from the bus  1810  and placing information on the bus  1810 . The set of operations also typically include comparing two or more units of information, shifting positions of units of information, and combining two or more units of information, such as by addition or multiplication or logical operations like OR, exclusive OR (XOR), and AND. Each operation of the set of operations that can be performed by the processor is represented to the processor by information called instructions, such as an operation code of one or more digits. A sequence of operations to be executed by the processor  1802 , such as a sequence of operation codes, constitute processor instructions, also called computer system instructions or, simply, computer instructions. Processors may be implemented as mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical, or quantum components, among others, alone or in combination. 
     Computer system  1800  also includes a memory  1804  coupled to bus  1810 . The memory  1804 , such as a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device, stores information including processor instructions for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device. Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the computer system  1800 . RAM allows a unit of information stored at a location called a memory address to be stored and retrieved independently of information at neighboring addresses. The memory  1804  is also used by the processor  1802  to store temporary values during execution of processor instructions. The computer system  1800  also includes a read only memory (ROM)  1806  or any other static storage device coupled to the bus  1810  for storing static information, including instructions, that is not changed by the computer system  1800 . Some memory is composed of volatile storage that loses the information stored thereon when power is lost. Also coupled to bus  1810  is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device  1808 , such as a magnetic disk, optical disk or flash card, for storing information, including instructions, that persists even when the computer system  1800  is turned off or otherwise loses power. 
     Information, including instructions for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device, is provided to the bus  1810  for use by the processor from an external input device  1812 , such as a keyboard containing alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, a microphone, an Infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, a touch screen, or a sensor. A sensor detects conditions in its vicinity and transforms those detections into physical expression compatible with the measurable phenomenon used to represent information in computer system  1800 . Other external devices coupled to bus  1810 , used primarily for interacting with humans, include a display device  1814 , such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a plasma screen, or a printer for presenting text or images, and a pointing device  1816 , such as a mouse, a trackball, cursor direction keys, or a motion sensor, for controlling a position of a small cursor image presented on the display  1814  and issuing commands associated with graphical elements presented on the display  1814 , and one or more camera sensors  1894  for capturing, recording and causing to store one or more still and/or moving images (e.g., videos, movies, etc.) which also may comprise audio recordings. In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments in which the computer system  1800  performs all functions automatically without human input, one or more of external input device  1812 , display device  1814  and pointing device  1816  may be omitted. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  1820 , is coupled to bus  1810 . The special purpose hardware is configured to perform operations not performed by processor  1802  quickly enough for special purposes. Examples of ASICs include graphics accelerator cards for generating images for display  1814 , cryptographic boards for encrypting and decrypting messages sent over a network, speech recognition, and interfaces to special external devices, such as robotic arms and medical scanning equipment that repeatedly perform some complex sequence of operations that are more efficiently implemented in hardware. 
     Computer system  1800  also includes one or more instances of a communications interface  1870  coupled to bus  1810 . Communication interface  1870  provides a one-way or two-way communication coupling to a variety of external devices that operate with their own processors, such as printers, scanners and external disks. In general the coupling is with a network link  1878  that is connected to a local network  1880  to which a variety of external devices with their own processors are connected. For example, communication interface  1870  may be a parallel port or a serial port or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In some embodiments, communications interface  1870  is an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or a telephone modem that provides an information communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. In some embodiments, a communication interface  1870  is a cable modem that converts signals on bus  1810  into signals for a communication connection over a coaxial cable or into optical signals for a communication connection over a fiber optic cable. As another example, communications interface  1870  may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also be implemented. For wireless links, the communications interface  1870  sends or receives or both sends and receives electrical, acoustic or electromagnetic signals, including infrared and optical signals, that carry information streams, such as digital data. For example, in wireless handheld devices, such as mobile telephones like cell phones, the communications interface  1870  includes a radio band electromagnetic transmitter and receiver called a radio transceiver. In certain embodiments, the communications interface  1870  enables connection to the communication network  107  for linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device  101 . 
     The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing information to processor  1802 , including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to computer-readable storage medium (e.g., non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission media. Non-transitory media, such as non-volatile media, include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device  1808 . Volatile media include, for example, dynamic memory  1804 . Transmission media include, for example, twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. Signals include man-made transient variations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical properties transmitted through the transmission media. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any computer-readable medium except transmission media. 
     Logic encoded in one or more tangible media includes one or both of processor instructions on a computer-readable storage media and special purpose hardware, such as ASIC  1820 . 
     Network link  1878  typically provides information communication using transmission media through one or more networks to other devices that use or process the information. For example, network link  1878  may provide a connection through local network  1880  to a host computer  1882  or to equipment  1884  operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment  1884  in turn provides data communication services through the public, world-wide packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly referred to as the Internet  1890 . 
     A computer called a server host  1892  connected to the Internet hosts a process that provides a service in response to information received over the Internet. For example, server host  1892  hosts a process that provides information representing video data for presentation at display  1814 . It is contemplated that the components of system  1800  can be deployed in various configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host  1882  and server  1892 . 
     At least some embodiments of the invention are related to the use of computer system  1800  for implementing some or all of the techniques described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by computer system  1800  in response to processor  1802  executing one or more sequences of one or more processor instructions contained in memory  1804 . Such instructions, also called computer instructions, software and program code, may be read into memory  1804  from another computer-readable medium such as storage device  1808  or network link  1878 . Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory  1804  causes processor  1802  to perform one or more of the method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware, such as ASIC  1820 , may be used in place of or in combination with software to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software, unless otherwise explicitly stated herein. 
     The signals transmitted over network link  1878  and other networks through communications interface  1870 , carry information to and from computer system  1800 . Computer system  1800  can send and receive information, including program code, through the networks  1880 ,  1890  among others, through network link  1878  and communications interface  1870 . In an example using the Internet  1890 , a server host  1892  transmits program code for a particular application, requested by a message sent from computer  1800 , through Internet  1890 , ISP equipment  1884 , local network  1880  and communications interface  1870 . The received code may be executed by processor  1802  as it is received, or may be stored in memory  1804  or in storage device  1808  or any other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In this manner, computer system  1800  may obtain application program code in the form of signals on a carrier wave. 
     Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequence of instructions or data or both to processor  1802  for execution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host  1882 . The remote computer loads the instructions and data into its dynamic memory and sends the instructions and data over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system  1800  receives the instructions and data on a telephone line and uses an infra-red transmitter to convert the instructions and data to a signal on an infra-red carrier wave serving as the network link  1878 . An infrared detector serving as communications interface  1870  receives the instructions and data carried in the infrared signal and places information representing the instructions and data onto bus  1810 . Bus  1810  carries the information to memory  1804  from which processor  1802  retrieves and executes the instructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. The instructions and data received in memory  1804  may optionally be stored on storage device  1808 , either before or after execution by the processor  1802 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a chip set or chip  1900  upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Chip set  1900  is programmed to link one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device as described herein and include, for instance, the processor and memory components described with respect to  FIG. 18  incorporated in one or more physical packages (e.g., chips). By way of example, a physical package includes an arrangement of one or more materials, components, and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard) to provide one or more characteristics such as physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set  1900  can be implemented in a single chip. It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set or chip  1900  can be implemented as a single “system on a chip.” It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments a separate ASIC would not be used, for example, and that all relevant functions as disclosed herein would be performed by a processor or processors. Chip set or chip  1900 , or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing user interface navigation information associated with the availability of functions. Chip set or chip  1900 , or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device. 
     In one embodiment, the chip set or chip  1900  includes a communication mechanism such as a bus  1901  for passing information among the components of the chip set  1900 . A processor  1903  has connectivity to the bus  1901  to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory  1905 . The processor  1903  may include one or more processing cores with each core configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor enables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of a multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor  1903  may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus  1901  to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor  1903  may also be accompanied with one or more specialized components to perform certain processing functions and tasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP)  1907 , or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC)  1909 . A DSP  1907  typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor  1903 . Similarly, an ASIC  1909  can be configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed by a more general purpose processor. Other specialized components to aid in performing the inventive functions described herein may include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more controllers, or one or more other special-purpose computer chips. 
     In one embodiment, the chip set or chip  1900  includes merely one or more processors and some software and/or firmware supporting and/or relating to and/or for the one or more processors. 
     The processor  1903  and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory  1905  via the bus  1901 . The memory  1905  includes both dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructions that when executed perform the inventive steps described herein to link one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device. The memory  1905  also stores the data associated with or generated by the execution of the inventive steps. 
       FIG. 20  is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobile terminal (e.g., handset) for communications, which is capable of operating in the system of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, mobile terminal  2001 , or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device. Generally, a radio receiver is often defined in terms of front-end and back-end characteristics. The front-end of the receiver encompasses all of the Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry whereas the back-end encompasses all of the base-band processing circuitry. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” refers to both: (1) hardware-only implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry), and (2) to combinations of circuitry and software (and/or firmware) (such as, if applicable to the particular context, to a combination of processor(s), including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions). This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application and if applicable to the particular context, the term “circuitry” would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) and its (or their) accompanying software/or firmware. The term “circuitry” would also cover if applicable to the particular context, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit in a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a cellular network device or other network devices. 
     Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main Control Unit (MCU)  2003 , a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)  2005 , and a receiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit  2007  provides a display to the user in support of various applications and mobile terminal functions that perform or support the steps of linking one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device. The display  2007  includes display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone). Additionally, the display  2007  and display circuitry are configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal. An audio function circuitry  2009  includes a microphone  2011  and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone  2011 . The amplified speech signal output from the microphone  2011  is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  2013 . 
     A radio section  2015  amplifies power and converts frequency in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a mobile communication system, via antenna  2017 . The power amplifier (PA)  2019  and the transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to the MCU  2003 , with an output from the PA  2019  coupled to the duplexer  2021  or circulator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA  2019  also couples to a battery interface and power control unit  2020 . 
     In use, a user of mobile terminal  2001  speaks into the microphone  2011  and his or her voice along with any detected background noise is converted into an analog voltage. The analog voltage is then converted into a digital signal through the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC)  2023 . The control unit  2003  routes the digital signal into the DSP  2005  for processing therein, such as speech encoding, channel encoding, encrypting, and interleaving. In one embodiment, the processed voice signals are encoded, by units not separately shown, using a cellular transmission protocol such as enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), satellite, and the like, or any combination thereof. 
     The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer  2025  for compensation of any frequency-dependent impairments that occur during transmission though the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizing the bit stream, the modulator  2027  combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface  2029 . The modulator  2027  generates a sine wave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission, an up-converter  2031  combines the sine wave output from the modulator  2027  with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer  2033  to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is then sent through a PA  2019  to increase the signal to an appropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA  2019  acts as a variable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP  2005  from information received from a network base station. The signal is then filtered within the duplexer  2021  and optionally sent to an antenna coupler  2035  to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna  2017  to a local base station. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control the gain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwarded from there to a remote telephone which may be another cellular telephone, any other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks. 
     Voice signals transmitted to the mobile terminal  2001  are received via antenna  2017  and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA)  2037 . A down-converter  2039  lowers the carrier frequency while the demodulator  2041  strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer  2025  and is processed by the DSP  2005 . A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)  2043  converts the signal and the resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker  2045 , all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU)  2003  which can be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU). 
     The MCU  2003  receives various signals including input signals from the keyboard  2047 . The keyboard  2047  and/or the MCU  2003  in combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone  2011 ) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU  2003  runs a user interface software to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal  2001  to link one or more virtual gift cards to the wallet database associated with the unique identifier of at least one mobile device. The MCU  2003  also delivers a display command and a switch command to the display  2007  and to the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU  2003  exchanges information with the DSP  2005  and can access an optionally incorporated SIM card  2049  and a memory  2051 . In addition, the MCU  2003  executes various control functions required of the terminal. The DSP  2005  may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP  2005  determines the background noise level of the local environment from the signals detected by microphone  2011  and sets the gain of microphone  2011  to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the user of the mobile terminal  2001 . 
     The CODEC  2013  includes the ADC  2023  and DAC  2043 . The memory  2051  stores various data including call incoming tone data and is capable of storing other data including music data received via, e.g., the global Internet. The software module could reside in RAM memory, flash memory, registers, or any other form of writable storage medium known in the art. The memory device  2051  may be, but not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, magnetic disk storage, flash memory storage, or any other non-volatile storage medium capable of storing digital data. 
     An optionally incorporated SIM card  2049  carries, for instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card  2049  serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal  2001  on a radio network. The card  2049  also contains a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobile terminal settings. 
     Further, one or more camera sensors  2053  may be incorporated onto the mobile station  2001  wherein the one or more camera sensors may be placed at one or more locations on the mobile station. Generally, the camera sensors may be utilized to capture, record, and cause to store one or more still and/or moving images (e.g., videos, movies, etc.) which also may comprise audio recordings. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with a number of embodiments and implementations, the invention is not so limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of the invention are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it is contemplated that these features can be arranged in any combination and order.