Credit score goals and alerts systems and methods

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/732,244, filed on Nov. 30, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application is related to, but does not claim priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/452,155, filed May 30, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,610,229; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/606,060, filed Oct. 26, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,015,107; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/150,480, filed Jun. 10, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,593,891; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/563,779, filed Sep. 21, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,925,582; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/326,803, filed Dec. 15, 2011; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/797,278, filed Mar. 12, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/797,011, filed Mar. 12, 2013; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/802,565, filed Mar. 13, 2013; and U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 60/384,650, filed May 30, 2002. The disclosures of the above-listed applications are all hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in their entireties.

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of consumer credit information and particularly to the presentation of credit score and credit report information.

[0004] The credit report and credit score are an important indicator of a consumer's financial health. Consequently, monitoring their credit reports and having a high credit score is important to consumers for many reasons. A high credit score may qualify a consumer for various financial programs and/or allow a consumer to receive favorable rates is such programs, such as loan applications, rental applications, real estate mortgages, and so on. The credit report may allow a user to view the underlying data affecting their credit score. Thus, many consumers have a substantial interest in finding ways to improve their credit scores and understand their credit reports.

[0005] There is much information available to consumers as to how to improve credit scores. For example, sources provide advice to consumers to pay off loans, to establish certain numbers of credit accounts, to establish new loans, to raise or lower credit card limits, and so on. However, this advice is generic to all consumers and does not provide information specific to a particular consumer's situation. The question for many consumers then is “How is my particular credit data affecting my credit score?”

[0006] To determine effective actions to take, it is often necessary to analyze a consumer's underlying credit information. However, paper credit reports are often confusing to consumers, and do not explain the effects of particular pieces of data contained within the credit report. Furthermore, consumers often do not know how their credit activities affect their credit score or how their credit score is calculated. This translates into consumers struggling to use and analyze their credit information in meaningful ways, or develop effective strategies to raise their credit score.

[0007] Thus, it would be advantageous for consumers to be able to quickly view and understand how credit information affects their credit score. In particular, it would be advantageous for consumers to be able to visualize their particular credit information and understand how it is affecting their current credit score. It would also be advantageous for consumers to easily and intuitively set one or more credit score goals and/or warnings, and receive alerts related to their credit score goals and/or warnings.

[0008] Consumers are interacting more every day with mobile devices, such as smart phones, tablets, and the like. However, information that consumers traditionally view in the form of printed materials doesn't optimize interaction capabilities of such mobile devices. Discussed herein are systems and methods for generating user interfaces that display credit information of consumers in manners that are specifically tailored for optimal use on mobile devices, such as user interfaces that optimize the user's ability to interface with credit data and to explore such credit data. In particular, the user interfaces described herein are dynamically created using credit data specific to a particular consumer

[0009] In an embodiment, a mobile application can display and receive input from various user interfaces, [including a credit score threshold interface displaying a credit score line graph with one or more credit score threshold lines for the consumer. The credit score line graph interface allows a user to set and/or adjust one or more credit thresholds (for example, a credit score goal and/or a credit score warning) by moving the credit score threshold lines upwards or downwards on the credit score line graph. In an embodiment, the color of the credit score threshold lines may vary as they are moved upwards or downwards, where the color corresponds to, for example, a credit score value (or range of values) or a credit score risk level. In another embodiment, the mobile application can display and receive input from a credit score alert settings user interface. The credit score alert settings user interface may, for example, allow the user to specify when to receive alerts, including for example when certain credit events or milestones are reached based on the one or more credit score thresholds and/or macroeconomic events or factors.].

[0010] One embodiment may be a computer-readable medium comprising instructions configured to cause one or more computer processors to perform operations. The operations may include, among others, receiving, by the user interface, an indication that the dragged touch input on the user-adjustable threshold line has begun; in response to receiving the indication that the dragged touch input on the user-adjustable threshold line has begun: receiving, by the user interface, data input corresponding to the dragged touch input during the duration of the dragged touch input, wherein the data input includes a position of the user-adjustable threshold line, the position corresponding to the position of the dragged touch input on the credit score line graph; updating the credit score line graph on the user interface based on the received data input; and receiving, by the user interface, an indication that the dragged touch input on the user-adjustable threshold line has ended; and automatically updating the credit score threshold for the consumer based on a final position of the credit score threshold, wherein the final position corresponds to the position of the data input corresponding to the last received dragged touch input.

[0011] Some embodiments may comprise a computerized method that may be performed by a computer system. The computer system (comprising one or more computing devices) may periodically access credit information specific to a consumer, the credit information comprising at least a portion of the consumer's credit report and one or more credit score thresholds for the consumer; access one or more alert preferences for the consumer; analyzing the consumer's credit report and the one or more credit score thresholds for the consumer; determining whether a significant change has occurred based on the analysis; and in response to determining that a significant change has occurred based on the analysis, generating an alert for the consumer based on the analysis and the one or more alert preferences.

[0012] Another embodiment may be a computing device comprising at least a data store configured to store a consumer's credit report and credit score threshold information, a touch screen display configured to receive touch screen input; one or more processors; and a user interface module executable on the one or more processors. The user interface module may be configured to at least: access credit information specific to a consumer, the credit information comprising at least a portion of the consumer's credit report and credit score threshold information; store the credit information in the data store; generate a user interface configured for display on a touch sensitive computing device, the user interface including a credit score line graph presenting the consumer's credit score and the credit score threshold, wherein the credit score threshold is displayed as a user-adjustable threshold line on the credit score line graph, wherein the user interface is configured to update the credit score line graph in response to a dragged touch input on the user-adjustable threshold line; receive an indication that the dragged touch input on the user-adjustable threshold line has begun; in response to receiving the indication that the dragged touch input on the user-adjustable threshold line has begun: receive data input corresponding to the dragged touch input during the duration of the dragged touch input, wherein the data input includes a position of the user-adjustable threshold line, the position corresponding to the position of the dragged touch input on the credit score line graph; update the credit score line graph on the user interface based on the received data input; and receive an indication that the dragged touch input on the user-adjustable threshold line has ended; and automatically update the credit score threshold for the consumer based on a final position of the credit score threshold, wherein the final position corresponds to the position of the data input corresponding to the last received dragged touch input.

Overview

[0022] This disclosure illustrates several credit score management user interfaces that include a credit score thresholds user interface, a credit score alert settings user interface, and several example credit score alert notification user interfaces, as used in some embodiments, to enable a consumer to set and/or adjust credit score goals and/or warnings.

[0023] In one embodiment, the credit score thresholds user interface both displays credit information about a specific consumer and allows for user input to control display of additional credit information about the consumer, such as one or more credit score threshold levels used for goals and alerts.

[0024] In one embodiment, the credit score goals user interface includes a line graph. The line graph may provide a visual representation of the consumer's credit score over time. Additional information may be displayed on the line graph, such as a local average credit score for the consumer's local area. The consumer may be presented with user interface controls (including touch-screen elements) which allow the consumer to set and/or adjust credit score thresholds (e.g., credit score goals, credit score alert levels, etc.). For example, FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment where the user has set a credit score goal threshold (or “credit score goal”) of 700 and a credit score warning threshold (or “credit score warning”) of 550. Either of these thresholds may be adjusted upward or downward. A credit report system may then use the credit score thresholds to generate alerts or notifications for the consumer and/or provide customized advice or information to the consumer about how to reach his/her credit score goals. The consumer may be presented with a credit score alert settings user interface, for example as shown in FIG. 4, to set and/or adjust when credit score threshold alerts should be sent to the consumer. FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F illustrate several embodiments of alerts/notifications provided to the consumer based on several example scenarios.

[0025] In some embodiments, a user device displaying such interfaces, such as computing device 162, receives, from a credit bureau or intermediary system such as credit report system 100, credit score data or information to populate, for example, the credit score threshold user interface, including a consumer's current credit score, the consumer's credit score over time, and/or a local average credit score. Local average credit scores are described in greater detail, for example, in co-pending application Ser. No. 13/802,565 entitled “ANALYSIS OF CREDIT SCORES FOR GROUPS OF CONSUMERS.”

[0026] FIG. 2A, discussed further below, illustrates an example credit score goals user interface 200A displaying two credit score threshold levels. Each of the credit score threshold levels can be adjusted or moved upward or downward to adjust the credit score threshold (for example, a credit score goal or a credit score warning) and/or credit score alert settings for the consumer. In some embodiments, a user may use a touch screen on a mobile device, such as an iPad, an iPhone, an Android device, or a tablet PC, to touch the screen to adjust the position of the credit score threshold lines in order to update corresponding credit score alert thresholds. For example, a credit score goal may be updated in response to the user touching the credit score goal line or number, and while still touching, dragging the credit score goal line or number up or down the line graph. When the user stops dragging or ends the touching interaction, a credit score goal for the consumer corresponding to the credit score goal line may be automatically updated based on the position of the credit score goal line at the end of the touch interaction.

[0027] Various embodiments of systems, methods, and user interfaces for presenting credit score goals and alerts and related components will now be described with reference to accompanying figures. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the disclosure. Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the embodiments of the disclosure herein described

I. High Level Data Flow

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary process and data flow for accessing credit data of a particular consumer, rendering the credit data within one or more user interfaces (including user interfaces for setting and/or adjusting credit score thresholds and/or alert settings, as described herein), and generating alerts for the consumer. Depending on the embodiment, the process illustrated by interactions (1)-(6) of FIG. 1 may include fewer or additional interactions and/or the interactions may be performed in an order different than is illustrated. FIG. 1 is also a block diagram which illustrates the exemplary process and data flow between a user computing device 162, a credit report system 100, credit data store/credit bureau 108, and one or more data sources 166, according to one embodiment, such as the system illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 7.

[0029] At interaction (1), the computing device 162 may transmit to credit report system 100 a request for a credit report and/or credit attributes, such as a credit score threshold user interface, which may be generated based on underlying credit data. Such underlying credit data may include, but is not limited to, information about credit or debit accounts (such as the amount of available credit in accounts associated with a consumer, the age of open credit accounts, the types of accounts, the payment history on accounts, and past inquiries into credit reports or credit score).

[0030] In some embodiments, the request may be accompanied with an authentication or authorization request. For example, in some embodiments, access to credit data may be restricted based on user identification. An authentication scheme may comprise submitting a user name and password to the credit report system 100, or any other authentication mechanism known by those skilled in the art. The authentication request may have occurred prior to the request for data access, or during the request. In some embodiments, although a user may authenticate, only certain users will be authorized to receive credit report data. For example, the credit report system 100 may comprise memory storing a list of users or types of users that may gain access to their credit data, such as paying users. In some embodiments, no authentication is necessary and credit data may be freely accessed by all users. Such a request may also include a request for the algorithms or user interfaces that may be used by an “app” or browser to render and interact with the requested credit data.

[0031] In some embodiments, some functionality may be accessible by unauthenticated users, and other functionality only accessible to authenticated users. The authenticated and unauthenticated sections may have the same features, similar features, or different features. In an embodiment, the authenticated section offers additional features not available in the unauthenticated section. For example, credit data or credit-related information is used in the various systems and methods described herein. This information may be stored in member accounts or automatically retrieved based on member account data. In such an embodiment, the credit-related information may be automatically pre-populated, so that members need not enter that information, while unauthenticated users would enter their information manually.

[0032] In interaction (2) of FIG. 1, the credit report system 100 may retrieve a credit report (and/or other credit data or other financial data) and/or calculate attributes. In some embodiments, the credit data gathering module 150, upon receiving a request from the computing device 162, may retrieve a credit score, credit report, and/or STAGG attributes (or other custom required attributes) from its local storage and fulfill the access request without consulting a credit bureau. For example, the data gathering module may have previously received a credit report and credit score from a credit bureau for that user and would have the report cached in its local storage. In some embodiments, the credit report and score may be periodically retrieved for users from a credit bureau in order to have it locally on file. Alternatively, or in combination, the data gathering module 150 may retrieve in real time the credit report, credit score and/or summary credit attributes from the credit data store/credit bureau 108.

[0033] The data gathering module 150 may also calculate any attributes required by the visual user interfaces implemented by the user interface module 110. For example, summary credit attributes are typically calculated by credit bureaus that summarize credit data. These summary credit attributes can be requested along with, or as an alternate to, a credit report. However, the data gathering module 150 may also compile the summary attributes based on the credit report, or calculate custom (e.g. non-STAGG) attributes based on the credit report. For example, one summary attribute may comprise a calculation of the amount of available credit for a consumer. Such an attribute may be calculated based upon summing up all of the un-used credit available in a consumer's accounts. This final figure may then be associated with the credit report and stored in the data gathering module for later transfer to a client computing device 162. These calculations may be performed on demand or periodically.

[0034] In addition to retrieving credit reports, scores, and attributes, the data gathering module 150 may, in some embodiments, retrieve algorithms, credit score threshold settings, alert settings, and other user interfaces such as a [circular rotational] user interface for transfer to the client device. These may be stored locally on disk within the credit data gathering module 150, or retrieved from a credit data store. For example, a credit score threshold may be retrieved from a credit bureau 108 and/or known in advance by the credit data gathering module 150.

[0035] After retrieving and or calculating the information, interaction (3) of FIG. 1 illustrates the credit report system 100 transmitting the credit report and attributes, via the network 160, to the computing device's 162 user interface module 110. This information may be transmitted using a text credit report format, an XML format, using web services APIs, or any other organized data structure or protocol for transferring the information between the credit report system 100 and the computing device 162. Alternatively, this information may be transmitted to the client computing device 162 as a part of a web page and accompanying web page user interfaces to be rendered with an app or a browser, such as software code configured to generate the various visual features of the credit score management user interfaces discuss herein. In this embodiment, the credit report system 100 may act as a web page or web site configured to provide static, scriptable, or executable code and data that may be used to implement the entire invention, even with a client computing device 162 only capable of web browsing.

[0036] In interaction (4), the user interface module 110 may then store the received credit information, and parse the credit report and attributes for data required to render the user interface. This may include organizing in a data structure one or more received attributes and data contained within the credit report into credit data categories such as credit usage, age of accounts, types of accounts, payment history, and credit inquiries. Additionally, this may involve calculating any additional attributes or summarization data based on the credit report for use in displaying summary information about the credit report to a user. As noted above, depending on the embodiment certain features discussed with reference to the user interface module 110 may be performed by the credit report system 100. Thus, the above-noted organization and calculations may be performed partially or entirely by the credit report system 100 in certain embodiments.

[0037] As described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3, the user interface module 110 then displays a credit score threshold user interface that allows a user to set and/or adjust one or more credit thresholds using a touch screen. The user interface module 110 may also display a credit score alert settings user interface that allows a user to set and/or adjust one or more credit alert settings, such as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 4.

[0038] Interaction (5) illustrates that, the credit score threshold and/or alert settings may be sent over the network 160 to the credit report system 100. The credit report system 100 may then store the credit score threshold and/or alert settings for the user and access these settings in order to determine whether credit score alerts should be provided to the user, such as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 5.

[0039] At interaction (6), the credit report system 100 provides one or more credit score alerts to the computing device 162. The credit score alerts may be sent periodically, and/or based on the user/consumer's alert settings, and/or based on macroeconomic events. The user interface module 110 may then displays a credit alert user interface, such as the sample user interfaces shown and discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F.

II. Credit Score Thresholds

[0040] As has been described herein, the credit report system 100 and/or computing device 162 may present various with user interface controls (including touch-screen elements) which allow the consumer to set and/or adjust credit score thresholds (e.g., one or more credit score goals, one or more credit score warnings). A credit score goal, for example, is a credit score threshold higher than the consumer's current credit score, representing the credit score which the consumer wishes to achieve. A credit score warning level, for example, is a credit score threshold lower than the consumer's current credit score, representing the credit score the consumer wishes to stay above. A credit report system may use the credit score thresholds to generate alerts or notifications for the consumer, and/or to provide customized advice or information to the consumer about how to reach his/her credit score goals (and/or how to stay above credit score warning levels).

[0041] Although the examples herein focus primarily on a single credit score goal and/or a single credit score warning, in some embodiments multiple credit score goals and/or multiple credit score warnings may be configurable for the consumer using the systems and methods described herein. For example, a consumer may wish to set two or more credit score goals as credit score milestones in order to receive alerts when each credit score goal is reached (for example, without having to login to a member account to reset or adjust a credit score goal once it has been reached). Similarly, in another example, the consumer may wish to set two or more credit score warnings in order to receive alerts when each credit score warning is reached.

[0042] One benefit of setting and/or adjusting one or more credit score thresholds (using the example user interfaces described herein with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) is the ease with which a consumer can manage his/her credit score goals and warnings. The visual user interfaces described herein provide an intuitive and easy-to-understand method of quickly and automatically setting and/or adjusting credit score thresholds in the context of other credit score information, including for example the consumer's credit report and/or credit summary attributes.

Example User Interfaces

[0043] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 4 illustrate several sample credit score threshold user interfaces with various user interface controls to enable functionality as described in this specification. In various embodiments, the user interfaces shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 4 may be presented as a web page, as a mobile application, as a stand-alone application, or by other communication means. In other embodiments, analogous interfaces may be presented using audio or other forms of communication. In an embodiment, the interfaces shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 4 are configured to be interactive and respond to various user interactions. Such user interactions may include clicks with a mouse, typing with a keyboard, touches and/or gestures on a touch screen, voice commands, and/or the like. As one skilled in the art would recognize, the systems and methods described herein are compatible with various types of input in addition to, or as a replacement for, the touch screen input described.

[0044] FIG. 2A is an example credit score threshold user interface 200A for setting and/or adjusting one or more credit score thresholds, as used in an embodiment. At a high level, user interface 200A provides a concise view of various credit report, credit score, and/or credit summary information for the consumer. At a glance the consumer can see a current credit score, when the credit score was last updated, a current risk level, and options to, for example, view credit summary information and/or attributes, such as may be accessed or retrieved from the credit report system 100.

[0045] FIG. 2A also shows a line graph 201 presenting various credit score information mapping credit scores (on a vertical axis 202) over time (on a horizontal axis 203). The line graph 201 shows the consumer's credit score 204 as well as a local average credit score 210 (corresponding to a credit score of 600 as shown on a local average score label 207) over a period of time (here, about six months from February 2012 through August 2012). The line graph 201 may also presents one or more view configuration options, such as a slider-based user interaction element to change the range of the period of time (e.g. from 3 months up to 12 months).

[0046] FIG. 2A illustrates two credit score thresholds on the line graph, a credit score goal threshold (or “credit score goal”) 205 corresponding to a credit score of 700 (as shown on a goal score label 206), and a credit score warning threshold (or “credit score warning”) 209 corresponding to a credit score of 550 (as shown on a warning score label 208). In some embodiments (such as the examples shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C herein), only one credit score threshold (for example, a credit score goal or a credit score warning) may be displayed or set by the user. However, in other embodiments, more than two credit score thresholds (for example, several different credit score goal milestones and/or several different credit score warning) may be displayed and/or editable by the user.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments of the computing device 162 using a touch-screen display, the consumer (or user) may use a finger (or hand) 211 to move either of the credit score thresholds upwards and/or downwards (or diagonally in some instances). For example, the user may touch and hold down their finger 211 on one of the credit score threshold lines 205 or 209. The user may then move their touched finger 211 vertically and/or diagonally on the touch screen to adjust the credit score threshold level. The user interaction may end when the user stops touching the touch screen, lifts their finger 211 off the screen (and/or no longer holds their finger on the touch screen), or when the user stops touching the credit score threshold portion of the user interface. When the user interaction ends, the credit score threshold may be automatically updated by the computing device 162 and/or credit report system 100 based on the final resting position of the credit score threshold on the line graph 201 relative to the vertical axis 202.

[0048] In some embodiments, the color of the vertical axis 202 may vary depending on the numeric value or range of the vertical axis 202. For example, the portion of the vertical axis 202 corresponding to a numeric range 0-200 may be colored red; the portion corresponding to a numeric range 201-400 may be colored orange; the portion corresponding to a numeric range 401-600 may be colored yellow; and the portion corresponding to a numeric range 601-800 may be colored green. Other colors and/or ranges may be possible in any combination, including for example a different color for each value in a range of values. In some embodiments a color gradient may be applied to the vertical axis 202 such that the different color ranges blend or fade into each other.

[0049] In some embodiments, the color of the credit score thresholds 205 and 209 may match the color of the corresponding numeric range of the vertical axis 202. Thus, continuing the example ranges described above, the credit score goal 205 may be colored green, since the goal score 700 corresponds to the “green” range on the vertical axis 202. Similarly, the credit score warning 209 may be yellow, since the warning score 550 corresponds to the “yellow” range on the vertical axis 202. In an embodiment where color gradients are used, such as to color the vertical axis 202 a light green at a credit score of 601 and moving towards a dark green at a credit score of 800 in the example score range above, the example credit score goal 205 line may be colored the particular gradient of green that colors the vertical axis 202 at the 700 credit score level. A similar gradient coloring may apply to a score warning and/or other score thresholds. Additionally credit score threshold labels 206 and 208 may be colored that same as their corresponding graph lines. Thus, the border and/or the actual number in the border of credit score threshold labels 206 and 208 may convey a relative score level based on the color of the credit score threshold.

[0050] Additionally, in some embodiments, the color of the credit score thresholds 205 and 209 may change or be updated dynamically in-real time as the user slides their finger 211 upwards or downwards into different color ranges. For example, with respect to FIG. 2C, as the user moves the credit warning threshold 209 to an adjusted credit warning threshold 209A (corresponding to score 330), user interface module 110 may, automatically in response to the user interaction, update the color of the credit warning threshold 205 from yellow (in the range 401-600) to orange (in the range 201-400).

[0051] FIG. 2B is an example credit score threshold user interface 200B for setting and/or adjusting a credit score goal threshold, as used in an embodiment. User interface 200B is similar to user interface 200A, displaying the line graph 201, vertical axis 202, horizontal axis 203, finger 211, and various credit report and/or credit summary information for the consumer. FIG. 2B illustrates a particular example in which the user is shown adjusting his/her credit score goal 205 upwards from score 700 (goal score label 206), to credit score goal 205B at score 800 (goal score label 206B). Similar to FIG. 2A, the consumer (or user) may use the finger (or hand) 211 to move the credit score goal upwards (as illustrated) and/or downwards (not shown). When the user interaction ends (such as described with respect to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3), the credit score goal threshold may be automatically updated by the computing device 162 and/or credit report system 100 based on the final resting position of the credit score goal 205B on the line graph 201 relative to the vertical axis 202. Also, as with FIG. 2A, as the user moves the credit score goal 205 upward, the color of the line may change based on the corresponding color range on the vertical axis 202. Continuing the example ranges described above with respect to FIG. 2A, the credit score goal 205 may remain the color green during the movement shown in FIG. 2B, since both the initial goal score 700 and the final goal score 800 correspond to the “green” range on the vertical axis 202. However, in an embodiment where green color gradients are used, the particular shades of green at credit score goal 205 and 205B may vary.

[0052] FIG. 2C is an example credit score threshold user interface 200C for setting and/or adjusting a credit score warning threshold, as used in an embodiment. User interface 200C is similar to user interface 200A, displaying the line graph 201, vertical axis 202, horizontal axis 203, finger 211, and various credit report and/or credit summary information for the consumer. FIG. 2C illustrates a particular example in which the user is shown adjusting his/her credit score warning 209 downwards from score 550 (warning score label 208), to credit score warning 209C at score 330 (warning score label 208C). Similar to FIG. 2A, the consumer (or user) may use the finger (or multiple fingers or hand) 211 to move the credit score goal downwards (as illustrated) and/or upwards (not shown). When the user interaction ends (such as described with respect to FIG. 2A and FIG. 3), the credit score warning threshold may be automatically updated by the computing device 162 and/or credit report system 100 based on the final resting position of the credit score warning 209C on the line graph 201 relative to the vertical axis 202. Also, as with FIG. 2A, as the user moves the credit score warning 209 downward, the color of the line may change based on the corresponding color range on the vertical axis 202. Continuing the example ranges described above with respect to FIG. 2A, the credit score warning 209 may change from the color yellow to the color orange during the movement shown in FIG. 2B, since the initial warning score 550 is in the “yellow” range and the final warning score 330 is in the “orange” range on the vertical axis 202.

Example Process of Using a Credit Score Threshold User Interface to Set a Credit Score Threshold

[0053] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process 300 involving the use of a credit score threshold user interface to set and/or adjust credit score threshold(s), as used in an embodiment such as the computing system of FIG. 7. In various embodiments, fewer blocks or additional blocks may be included in the process, or various blocks may be performed in an order different from that shown in FIG. 3. In particular, the blocks in FIG. 3 may be performed by computing device 162, credit report system 100, or credit data store/credit bureau 108 (or any combination thereof), depending on which computing device/software service has access to the required credit data, for example.

[0054] Credit bureaus make their data available to consumers and businesses, usually (but not limited to) for the purpose of checking a consumer's credit history and credit score. A credit bureau's credit report may include, among other things, data concerning payment history (such as current accounts and late payments), credit usage and availability, the age of financial accounts, the types of financial accounts, and inquiries into credit reports or credit scores. This data may be collected from one or more raw data sources 166 (FIG. 1) which may comprise information from consumers' banks, mortgagors, lenders, creditors, services, utilities, public records, and other institutions where a consumer holds a financial account. The data may include a status of each account, such as when the last bill was paid, how late a recent payment is or how behind a consumer is on their account, a payment history, the available credit allowed in an account, the account balance, and when an account was opened and/or closed, among other credit information.

[0055] At block 305 of FIG. 3, the requestor, for example the credit report system's 100 credit data gathering module 150 (or in some embodiments, the computing device 162) receives credit report and/or summary attributes for the consumer. The credit report and/or summary attributes may be used as input to generate the credit score thresholds user interface (such as the user interfaces 200A, 200B, and/or 200C of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C respectively) at block 310. The user interface may be generated by the user interface module 110 and be displayed on the computing device's display screen (e.g. a touch screen).

[0056] Once the user interface is displayed, then at block 315, the user interface module 110 may then receive an indication of the beginning of a user interaction to set and/or adjust a credit score threshold (e.g. a credit score goal). The indication may be, for example, input from a touch screen on the computing device 162, or any other user input device. For example, using a touch screen, a user may touch and hold and/or drag one of the credit score thresholds 205 or 209. For example, a user may touch and hold down their finger 211 on one of the credit score threshold lines 205 or 209 on the line graph 201 as depicted in FIG. 2A. The user may then move their touched finger vertically and/or diagonally on the touch screen.

[0057] As the user continues the user interaction (for example, performing the touch or a swipe gesture), then at block 320, the computing device 162, via the user interface module 110, may receive data input corresponding to the user interaction. For example, if the user touches the credit score goal line 205 and moves their touched finger upwards on the credit score graph 201, the user interface module 110 may receive data corresponding to the credit score on a vertical axis 202 intersecting the credit score goal line 205.

[0058] At block 325, the user interface module 110 updates the user interface and/or visual indicators corresponding to the credit score threshold being moved or adjusted by the user interaction in real time based on the received data input. For example, as describe herein, as the user moves the credit score threshold, the corresponding credit score threshold label may update with a number corresponding to the credit score on the vertical axis 202 intersecting the credit score threshold line. In some embodiments, the color of the credit score threshold line may be changed, updated, or refreshed to match a corresponding credit score region on the vertical axis. For example, the color of the vertical axis 202 may vary depending on the numeric range of the vertical axis 202, as described for example with respect to FIG. 2A. Thus, the color of the credit score threshold line may be updated dynamically to match the corresponding portion of the vertical axis 202 as the user moves the credit score threshold line upwards, downwards (or diagonally). For example, as the user moves the credit score goal line 205 upwards from 700 to 800 as shown in FIG. 2B, the color of the credit score goal line 205 may change dynamically, gradually, and/or in real-time from a green-blue color (corresponding to a green-blue portion of the vertical axis 202 at score 700) to a solid green color (corresponding to a solid green portion of the vertical axis 202 at score 800). In another example, as the user moves the credit score warning line 209 downwards from 550 to 330 as shown in FIG. 2C, the color of the credit warning line 209 may change dynamically, gradually, and/or in real-time from an orange color (corresponding to an orange portion of the vertical axis 202 at score 550) to a solid red color (corresponding to a solid red portion of the vertical axis 202 at score 330). Of course multiple variations involving different colors and different color changing behaviors in response to the user interaction may be possible.

[0059] At block 330, the user interface module 110 receives an indication that the user interaction to set and/or adjust the credit score threshold has ended. For example, the user interaction may end when the user stops moving the credit score threshold for a certain period of time (for example, a few seconds or more). The user interaction may end when the user stops touching the touch screen (and/or no longer holds their finger on the touch screen), or when the user stops touching the credit score threshold portion of the user interface.

[0060] At block 335, the credit score threshold for the user may be updated based on data received from the last detected user interaction. The update may occur automatically without further interaction from the user. For example, if the user interaction ends after the user has moved the credit score goal line 205 from 700 to 800, the data received from the last detected user interaction would indicate the credit score goal should be updated to 800. The computing device 162 may update the credit score goal either locally (as stored on the computing device 162) or by sending the updated credit score goal information to the credit report system 100. Once updated, the credit score alerts and/or notifications will be generated based on the updated credit score threshold.

III. Credit Score Alerts

[0061] As has been described herein, the consumer may wish to receive alerts (and/or notifications) related to his/her credit score. For example, the consumer may want to be notified when his/her credit score reaches and/or passes a credit score goal. The consumer may find this information useful, for example, to understand his/her credit rating/status, to inform financial decisions (for example, whether to apply for a new loan or credit card, whether he/she might qualify for a new loan or credit card based on the improved credit score, etc.), and/or to find out more information about how or why his/her credit score increased (for example, so the consumer can continue credit-score increasing behavior).

Example Credit Score Alert Setting User Interface

[0062] FIG. 4 is an example credit score alert settings user interface 400 for setting and/or adjusting credit score alert and notification settings, as used in an embodiment. The credit score alert settings user interface 400 includes several settings which the consumer may use to manage his/her alerts and/or notifications. For example, for an alert setting 405, the consumer may choose to receive an alert when his/her credit score hits or passes a goal or warning score. To help inform the decision, the consumer may be presented with a mini-graph 407 displaying his/her current credit score, a low warning score, and a goal score. The alert setting 405 presents an option 406 to turn alert setting 405 on or off (currently “ON” as shown in FIG. 4).

[0063] Another alert setting 410 shown in FIG. 4 may enable the consumer to choose to receive an alert when his/her credit score changes by a certain number of points 412 (e.g. 5 points, 10 points, 15 points, any number of points, etc.). In another embodiment the consumer may be presented an alert setting to choose to receive an alert when his/her credit score changes by a certain percentage amount (e.g. 5%, 10%, 15%, or any percent). The alert setting 410 presents an option 411 to turn alert setting 410 on or off (currently “ON” as shown in FIG. 4).

[0064] Another alert setting 415 shown in FIG. 4 may enable the consumer to choose to receive an alert when his/her credit risk level changes 417. A credit risk level is typically a score range used to determine credit worthiness. The consumer may wish to know if his/her credit risk level changes so that he/she may, for example, act on the information. The alert setting 415 presents an option 416 to turn alert setting 416 on or off (currently “OFF” as shown in FIG. 4).

[0065] Another alert setting 420 shown in FIG. 4 may enable the consumer to choose to receive an alert to remind him/her to sign in to his/her membership 422 and update his/her credit score (and/or credit score thresholds) once a quarter or on a date 423 as selected by the consumer. The alert setting 420 presents an option 421 to turn alert setting 420 on or off (currently “ON” as shown in FIG. 4).

[0066] Other alert settings not displayed credit score alert settings user interface 400 may be included in other embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the credit score alert settings user interface 400 may include one or more macroeconomic alert settings to enable the consumer to opt in or out of various alerts which may be generated, for example, by macroeconomic events which may have an impact on, or otherwise relate to, the consumer's credit score and/or credit score thresholds (as described for example with respect to FIG. 5 herein).

Example Process for Generating Credit Score Alerts

[0067] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process 500 for generating credit score alerts (or “notifications”) based on a consumer's credit score information, credit-related events, credit score thresholds, and/or alert/notification settings, as used in an embodiment.

[0068] At block 505, the credit report system 100 (and/or the computing device 162) may periodically access credit information for the consumer. For example, the credit report system 100 may access or interface with the credit bureau 108, which may either retrieve cached, precalculated, and/or precompiled credit data, report, score, and/or attributes about the consumer, or create a report on the fly by accessing specific credit information for a consumer. For example, based on information periodically collected by the credit bureau 108 from raw data 166 sources disclosed above, the credit bureau 108 may compile credit information into a credit report, wherein the data may be organized by credit categories such as credit usage, payment history, age of accounts, types of accounts, and credit inquiries, among others.

[0069] At block 510, the credit report system 100 (and/or the computing device 162) accesses one or more credit score threshold(s) (such as the credit score thresholds set by the user via the credit threshold user interfaces 200A, 200B, or 200C shown and described with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C respectively) and alert preferences (such as the alert settings provided via the credit score alert settings user interface 400 shown and described with respect to FIG. 4) associated with the consumer.

[0070] At block 515, the credit report system 100 (and/or the computing device 162) may optionally access macroeconomic data or factors (for example, from data sources 166) which may be relevant to the consumer. Macroeconomic data or factors may include, for example, average home price, interest rate, major stock index data (e.g., Dow Jones, NASDAQ, S&P500, and the like), inflation rate, GDP growth rate, unemployment rate, and the like.

[0071] At block 520, the credit report system 100 (and/or the computing device 162) analyzes the credit information, credit score thresholds, and/or macroeconomic data (if accessed at block 515) to detect whether any significant changes have occurred. For example, the credit information for the consumer may indicate that the consumer's credit score has increased from 700 to 750, and the credit score thresholds may include a credit score goal of 740. Since the consumer's credit score has passed the credit score goal, this would indicate to the credit report system 100 (and/or the computing device 162) that a significant change has occurred which might trigger an alert to the consumer.

[0072] In another example, the credit information for the consumer may indicate that the consumer's credit score has declined from 700 to 550, and the credit score thresholds may include a credit score warning level of 600. Since the consumer's credit score has dropped below the credit score warning level, this would indicate to the credit report system 100 (and/or the computing device 162) that a significant change has occurred which might trigger an alert to the consumer.

[0073] In another example, a macroeconomic event or change to a macroeconomic factor may be detected (for example, a change in the Federal interest rate, the unemployment rate, average home prices, etc.) which may have an impact on the consumer. For example, if the credit information indicates the consumer has several mortgages and macroeconomic data indicate that interest rates have dropped, the consumer may be able to refinance one or more of the mortgages to obtain lower interest rates and possibly improve his/her credit score by reducing debt or liability).

[0074] At block 525, the credit report system 100 (and/or the computing device 162) determines if a significant change has been detected. If no significant change has been detected at this time, the process 500 may return to block 505, and repeat the process 500 from block 505 to block 525 on periodic basis. If a significant change has been detected at this time, the process 500 may proceed to block 530

[0075] At block 530, the credit report system 100 (and/or the computing device 162) generates an alert for the consumer based on the significant change detected from the analysis of the credit information, credit score thresholds, and/or macroeconomic data (if accessed at block 515). Examples of alerts which may be provided or generated by the credit report system 100 (and/or the computing device 162) are illustrated and discussed with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F herein. The consumer may act on the alert, such as by signing in or logging in to a membership account to view additional information, update credit score thresholds, and/or take other actions as may be appropriate for the particular alert.

[0076] Once the process 500 completes blocks 505 to 530, the process may be repeated on recurring, continuing, and/or periodic basis so that significant changes to the consumer's credit information (and/or macroeconomic events which may be relevant to the consumer) may be detected and the consumer may be alerted in a timely manner.

Sample Alert User Interfaces

[0077] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F illustrate sample user interfaces on a mobile device (such as the computing device 162) that show various alerts/notifications provided to a consumer, for example as generated based on the processes illustrated in FIG. 5, as used in one or more embodiments. These user interfaces are examples of only certain features that a credit report system may provide. In other embodiments, additional features may be provided and they may be provided using various different user interfaces and software code. Depending on the embodiment, the user interfaces and functionality described with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F may be provided by software executing on the mobile device, by a credit report system located remotely that is in communication with the mobile device via one or more networks, and/or some combination of software executing on the mobile device and the credit report system.

[0078] FIG. 6A illustrates one embodiment of an alert 600A generated by a credit report system 100 and/or computing device 162 and provided to a user, after determining that the consumer has reached his/her credit score goal of 750. In this example scenario, the alert 600A indicates that the consumer's new credit score is 755. The example alert 600A may also provide the user with the option to find out more 605A about the alert information presented, and/or set a new credit score goal 610A. For example, the user may wish to learn more about why his/her credit score has increased and update his/her credit score goals. Other options may be presented in via the alert 600A (and/or 600B, 600C, 600D, 600E, 600F). For example, although not shown in FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the user may also be presented with an option to login to an account directly from the alert.

[0079] FIG. 6B illustrates one embodiment of an alert 600B generated by a credit report system 100 and/or computing device 162 and provided to a user, after determining that the consumer's credit score has improved by a number of points (for example, 10 points as shown). In this example scenario, the alert 600B indicates that the consumer's credit score is now 712, and the consumer is only 5% away from his/her credit score goal of 750. The example alert 600B may also provide the user with the option to find out more 605B about the alert information presented, and/or discover ways to reach his/her credit score goal 610B. For example, the user may wish to find out what steps or actions he/she may take to bridge the gap from the current credit score of 712 to the credit score goal of 750.

[0080] FIG. 6C illustrates one embodiment of an alert 600C generated by a credit report system 100 and/or computing device 162 and provided to a user, after determining that the consumer's credit risk level has improved. In this example scenario, the alert 600C indicates that the consumer's credit risk level has improved to a rating of “Low.” The example alert 600C also provides the user with the option to find out more 605C about the alert information presented, and/or discover ways to improve his/her credit 610C. For example, the user may wish to find out what steps or actions he/she may take to improve his/her credit risk level to “Very Low” or some other higher credit rating.

[0081] FIG. 6D illustrates one embodiment of an alert 600D generated by a credit report system 100 and/or computing device 162 and provided to a user, after determining that the consumer's credit score has declined. In this example scenario, the alert 600D indicates that the consumer's credit score has declined to 550, and the consumer is 200 points away from his/her credit score goal of 750. The example alert 600D may also provide the user with the option to find out more 605D about the alert information presented, and/or discover ways to reach his/her credit score goal 610D. For example, the user may wish to find out why his/her credit score has declined, and what actions he/she may take to repair his/her credit.

[0082] FIG. 6E illustrates one embodiment of an alert 600E generated by a credit report system 100 and/or computing device 162 and provided to a user, after determining that a macroeconomic event or factor (here, the Federal interest rate) has changed which may have an impact on the consumer reaching his/her credit score goal(s). In this example scenario, the alert 600E indicates that the Federal interest rate has decreased to 1.25%, and that as a result the consumer may be able to reach his/her credit score goal of 750 faster. There may be various reasons why. For example, higher interest rates may contribute to decreased interest charges, which may decrease the amount of time it takes the consumer to reduce or pay down a debt, and thus reduce the time it takes to improve his/her credit score vis-à-vis paying off that debt. The example alert 600E may also provide the user with the option to learn more 605E about the macroeconomic information presented, and/or to discover ways he/she can reach his/her goal 610E.

[0083] FIG. 6F illustrates one embodiment of an alert 600F generated by a credit report system 100 and/or computing device 162 and provided to a user, after determining that a macroeconomic event or factor (here, an unemployment rate) has changed which may have an impact on the consumer reaching his/her credit score goal(s). In this example scenario, the alert 600F indicates that the unemployment rate has increased to 7.7%, and that as a result it may take longer for the consumer to reach his/her credit score goal of 750. Again, there may be various reasons why. For example, higher unemployment rates may contribute to slower economic growth, which may lower the possibility of the consumer receiving a pay raise, and thus extend the time it may take to improve his/her credit score vis-à-vis paying off a debt. The example alert 600F may provide the user with the option to learn more 605F about the macroeconomic information presented, and/or to adjust his/her goals 610F in response to this event or alert.

IV. Example System Implementation and Architecture

[0084] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of computing device 162, which may be in communication with network 160 and various computing systems, such as credit report system 100, credit data store/credit bureau 108, and data sources 166, that are also in communication with the network 160. The computing device 162 may be used to implement systems and methods described herein. In some embodiments, the other computing devices discussed herein, such as the credit report system 100, may include some or all of the same components as discussed below with reference to computing device 162. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, certain modules, such as the user interface module 110, credit data gathering module 150, and/or alert module 130 may be performed by different and or multiple computing device. For example, certain functionality of the interface module 110 may be performed by the computing device 162, while other functionality of the interface module 110 may be performed by the credit report system 100.

[0085] In an embodiment, various software modules are included in the credit score report system, which may be stored on the system itself, or on computer readable storage media separate from the system and in communication with the system via a network or other appropriate means. The credit score report system may include a credit data gathering module 150, which performs various tasks of gathering data used by the credit report system. Such data may include, for example, credit data 103 retrieved from credit data store 108. Such a data store 108 may comprise one or more credit bureaus and their databases, which may access information from raw data sources 166, such as banks and creditors.

[0086] The credit data may be retrieved via a network 160, via a dedicated communication channel, or by other means. In an embodiment, credit bureau 108 transmits credit data to the credit report system 100 via a secured communication channel to ensure the privacy and security of the credit data.

[0087] In an embodiment, credit data is gathered on demand as required by the credit score report system. In another embodiment, credit data 103 is gathered on a periodic basis independent of requests for information to the credit report system. In another embodiment, credit data is stored on the credit report system (for example, in client computing device 162 or credit data gathering module 150), in which case, retrieval of credit data from a credit bureau may not be necessary. The credit data may include a complete credit report about a consumer, summary data, such as credit attributes (also referred to as credit variables) that are calculated using various modules, such as Experian's STAGG (standard aggregation variables) attributes, and/or credit data inputs to calculate a complete or partial credit score. Each credit data input may be associated with a particular category of credit inputs, for example credit usage, payment history, age of accounts, types of accounts, and credit inquiries. In some embodiments, credit data gathering module 150 may calculate the Summary/STAGG attributes or perform other modifications on the credit report or other credit data gathered.

[0088] Credit data gathering module 150 may also gather information about how a credit score is calculated. This may include algorithms, formulas, executable code, statistical variables, and the like. This information may be used to visualize the significance of each type of data in calculating a credit score. In an embodiment, the models and/or algorithms are retrieved from credit data store 108 on an on-demand basis as needed by the credit report system. In another embodiment, the models and/or algorithms are retrieved on a periodic basis. In another embodiment, the credit report system internally stores the models and/or algorithms. In other embodiments, the actual credit data may not be transmitted to the computing device 162 and, rather, software code (e.g., HTML, Java, Perl, Ruby, Python, etc.) may be transmitted to the computing device 162. For example, code that is usable by the computing device 162 to render the credit goals and alerts user interfaces may be transmitted, without transmitting a data structure that separately includes the actual credit data.

[0089] In an embodiment, the computing device 162 further includes user interface module 110, which may include executable instructions for constructing user interfaces or otherwise interacting with end users. User interface module 110 may include portions that are executed by the credit report system 100 and/or by the computing device 162. Thus, discussion herein of operations performed by the user interface module 110 may be performed entirely by the credit report system 100, entirely by the computing device 162, or some portions may be performed by the credit report system 100 while other portions are performed by the computing device 162. Furthermore, other computing systems may also perform all or some of the processes discussed with reference to the user interface module 110.

[0090] In one embodiment, the user interface module 110 may access data from credit data gathering module 150 or credit data store/credit bureau 108, and use that data to construct user interfaces that assist the user in visualizing a credit score and the underlying data used to construct a credit score. Such visualization may be presented to the end user and are designed to be easily manipulated and/or understood by the user. In an embodiment, the user interfaces transmitted by user interface module 110 are interactive. Various embodiments of the user interfaces that may be provided by user interface module 110, including a credit score graph visual interface, are shown and described throughout this specification. Variations on such interfaces and other possible interfaces will be known to those of skill in the art.

[0091] User interface module 110 may be configured to construct user interfaces of various types. In an embodiment, user interface module 110 constructs web pages to be displayed in a web browser or computer/mobile application. The web pages may, in an embodiment, be specific to a type of device, such as a mobile device or a desktop web browser, to maximize usability for the particular device. In an embodiment, user interface module 110 may also interact with a client-side application, such as a mobile phone application (an “app”) or a standalone desktop application, and provide data to the application as necessary to display underlying credit score information.

[0092] Client computing device 162, which may comprise software and/or hardware that implements the user interface module 110, may be an end user computing device that comprises one or more processors able to execute programmatic instructions. Examples of such a computing device 162 are a desktop computer workstation, a smart phone such as an Apple iPhone or an Android phone, a computer laptop, a tablet PC such as an iPad, Kindle, or Android tablet, a video game console, or any other device of a similar nature. In some embodiments, the client computing device 162 may comprise a touch screen that allows a user to communicate input to the device using their finger(s) or a stylus on a display screen. The computing device 162 (or any of the computing systems described herein, such as credit report system 100), may comprise storage systems such as a hard drive or memory, or comprise any other non-transitory data storage medium. The storage systems may be configured to store executable instructions that may be executed by one or more processors to perform computerized operations on the client computing device, accept data input from a user (e.g. on the touch screen), and/or provide output to a user using the display. These executable instructions may be transmitted to another device for execution or processing by the device to implement the systems and methods described herein.

[0093] The computing device 162 may be connected to the credit report system 100, including credit data gathering module 150 and/or alert module 130, or credit data store/credit bureau 108 via a network 160. The computing device 162 may be connected to the network 160, which may include any combination of networks, such as local area, wide area, Internet, etc., by way of a wired network, such as an ethernet LAN or cable modem, or via a wireless method, such as through an 802.11 access point or via a cell phone network. The network 160 allows computing devices to send (i.e. transmit) and receive electronic transmissions.

[0094] The computing device 162 may also comprise one or more client program applications, such as a mobile “app” (e.g. iPhone or Android app) that may be used to visualize data, and initiate the sending and receiving of messages in the credit report system. This app may be distributed (e.g. downloaded) over the network to the client computing device directly from a credit bureau 108, from the credit report system 100, credit data gathering module 150, alert module 130, or from various third parties such as an Apple iTunes repository. In some embodiments, the application may comprise a set of visual interfaces that may comprise templates to display a consumer's credit data information from a credit report or associated attributes. In some embodiments, as described above, visual user interfaces may be downloaded from another server or service, such as the credit report system 100. This may comprise downloading web page or other HTTP/HTTPS data from a web server and rendering it through the “app”. In some embodiments, no special “app” need be downloaded and the entire interface may be transmitted from a remote Internet server to computing device 162, such as transmission from a web server that is a part of the credit report system 100 to an iPad, and rendered within the iPad's browser.

[0095] As described above, some embodiments may include portions that are executed by the credit report system 100 and/or by the computing device 162, or are entirely executed by the credit report system 100 or the computing device 162. Thus, discussion herein of any structure (e.g. cpu, memory, etc.) of the computing device 162 or operations performed by the computing device 162 or user interface module 110 may be equally applied to the credit report system 100, Furthermore, other computing systems may also perform all or some of the processes discussed with reference to the user interface module 110.

[0096] The computing device 162 includes, for example, a personal computer that is IBM, Macintosh, iOS, Android or Linux/Unix compatible or a server or workstation. In one embodiment, the computing device 162 comprises a server, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a kiosk, or a media player, for example. In one embodiment, the exemplary computing device 162 includes one or more central processing unit (“CPU”) 105, which may each include a conventional or proprietary microprocessor. The computing device 162 further includes one or more memory 130, such as random access memory (“RAM”) for temporary storage of information, one or more read only memory (“ROM”) for permanent storage of information, and one or more mass storage device 120, such as a hard drive, diskette, solid state drive, or optical media storage device. Typically, the modules of the computing device 162 may be connected to the computer using a standard based bus system. In different embodiments, the standard based bus system could be implemented in Peripheral Component Interconnect (“PCI”), Microchannel, Small Computer System Interface (“SCSI”), Industrial Standard Architecture (“ISA”) and Extended ISA (“EISA”) architectures, for example. In addition, the functionality provided for in the components and modules of computing device 162 may be combined into fewer components and modules or further separated into additional components and modules, and executed in software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0097] The computing device 162 is generally controlled and coordinated by operating system software, such as iOS, Android, Chrome OS, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server, Windows CE, Unix, Linux, SunOS, Solaris, iOS, Blackberry OS, or other compatible operating systems. In Macintosh systems, the operating system may be any available operating system, such as MAC OS X. In other embodiments, the computing device 162 may be controlled by a proprietary operating system. Conventional operating systems control and schedule computer processes for execution, perform memory management, provide file system, networking, I/O services, and provide a user interface functionality usable by the user interface module 110, such as a graphical user interface (“GUI”), among other things.

[0098] The exemplary computing device 162 may include one or more commonly available input/output (I/O) devices and interfaces 111, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, and printer. In one embodiment, the I/O devices and interfaces 111 include one or more display devices, such as a monitor or touchscreen, that allows the visual presentation of data to a user. More particularly, a display device provides for the presentation of GUIs, application software data, and multimedia presentations, for example. The computing device 162 may also include one or more multimedia devices 140, such as speakers, video cards, graphics accelerators, and microphones, for example.

[0099] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the I/O devices and interfaces 111 provide a communication interface to various external devices. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the computing device 162 is electronically coupled to a network 160 (as shown in FIG. 1), which comprises one or more of a LAN, WAN, and/or the Internet, for example, via a wired, wireless (such as 802.11 networks or a cell phone network), or combination of wired and wireless, communication link. The network 160 communicates with various computing devices and/or other electronic devices via wired or wireless communication links.

[0100] In some embodiments information may be provided to the computing device 162 over the network 160 from a credit report system 100 and/or a credit data store/credit bureau 108. Similarly, in some embodiments, information may be provided to the credit report system 100 over the network 160 from a credit data store/credit bureau 108. The credit report system 100 and the credit bureau 108 may include one or more internal and/or external data sources 166. The data sources 166 may include internal and external data sources which store, for example, credit bureau data and/or other consumer data. In some embodiments, one or more of the databases or data sources may be implemented using a relational database, such as Sybase, Oracle, CodeBase and Microsoft® SQL Server as well as other types of databases such as, for example, a flat file database, an entity-relationship database, and object-oriented database, and/or a record-based database.

[0101] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the computing device 162 includes a user interface module 110 that may be stored in the mass storage device 120 as executable software codes that are executed by the CPU 105. This and other modules in the computing device 162 may include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the computing device 162 is configured to the execute the user interface module 110 in order to for example, receive credit report and summary attributes regarding a specific consumer, generate a credit threshold user interface, receive an indication of a beginning of a user interaction to set and/or adjust a credit score threshold, receive data input corresponding to the user interaction, update the user interface and/or visual indicators in real-time based on the received data input, receive an indication of an end of the user interaction to set and/or adjust a credit score threshold, update the credit score threshold for the user/consumer based on the received data input from the last detected user interaction, and perform other methods as described herein] (such as the processes described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0102] User interface module 110 may generate and render one or more visual user interfaces (such as the user interfaces illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 4, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F) based on upon the received credit information. By interacting with these user interfaces, a user of computing device 162 may view various information about credit score goals (or thresholds) and alerts.

[0103] In general, the word “module,” as used herein, refers to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, possibly having entry and exit points, written in a programming language, such as, for example, Java, Lua, C or C++. A software module may be compiled and linked into an executable program, installed in a dynamic link library, or may be written in an interpreted programming language such as, for example, BASIC, Perl, or Python. It will be appreciated that software modules may be callable from other modules or from themselves, and/or may be invoked in response to detected events or interrupts. Software modules configured for execution on computing devices may be provided on a computer readable medium, such as a compact disc, digital video disc, flash drive, magnetic disc, or any other tangible medium, or as a digital download (and may be originally stored in a compressed or installable format that requires installation, decompression or decryption prior to execution). Such software code may be stored, partially or fully, on a memory device of the executing computing device, such as the computing device 162, for execution by the computing device. Software instructions may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It will be further appreciated that hardware modules may be comprised of connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and/or may be comprised of programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors. The modules described herein are preferably implemented as software modules, but may be represented in hardware or firmware. Generally, the modules described herein refer to logical modules that may be combined with other modules or divided into sub-modules despite their physical organization or storage.

[0104] Like the computing device 162, credit report system 100 and credit data store/credit bureau 108 may comprise similar computing hardware, software, and functionality as described above for computing device 162.

[0105] In some embodiments, the system distinguishes between the initial transmission of credit data required for user interfaces, and subsequent transmissions of user interface data so that it may transmit only portions that are necessary to update a credit score threshold user interface or alert interface. This may be done, for example, using an XMLHttpRequest (XHR) mechanism, a data push interface, or other communication protocols.

Credit Reports and Credit Bureaus

[0106] The credit report system 100 may be separate from a credit bureau or credit data store 108. One of the purposes of the credit report system is to interface with the credit bureau or any data store that has data that will eventually be rendered by computing device 162. The credit report system 100 may request and extract the appropriate credit data for a specific consumer based on a user using the computing device 162. This allows for a single point of contact for computing device 162 interaction. The credit report system 100 can then be configured to request from and receive data from credit bureaus or other credit databases.

[0107] Alternatively, the credit report system 100 may be executed by a credit bureau itself. In this case, the credit report system and the credit bureau functionality may be combined, with no need to transfer data over a wide area network between them. In some embodiments, the client computing device 162 may be configured to interact directly with a credit bureau over a network, to access a credit report and summary attributes. In this case, any custom attribute creation or processing needed must be performed by the computing device 162.

V. Other

[0108] Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more computer systems or computer processors comprising computer hardware. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or computer storage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, optical disc, and/or the like. The systems and modules may also be transmitted as generated data signals (for example, as part of a carrier wave or other analog or digital propagated signal) on a variety of computer-readable transmission mediums, including wireless-based and wired/cable-based mediums, and may take a variety of forms (for example, as part of a single or multiplexed analog signal, or as multiple discrete digital packets or frames). The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, for example, volatile or non-volatile storage.

[0109] The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or states may be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, or multiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state. The example blocks or states may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

[0110] Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0111] Any process descriptions, elements, or blocks in the flow diagrams described herein and/or depicted in the attached figures should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0112] All of the methods and processes described above may be embodied in, and partially or fully automated via, software code modules executed by one or more general purpose computers. For example, the methods described herein may be performed by the credit report system 100, consumer computing device 162, and/or any other suitable computing device. The methods may be executed on the computing devices in response to execution of software instructions or other executable code read from a tangible computer readable medium. A tangible computer readable medium is a data storage device that can store data that is readable by a computer system. Examples of computer readable mediums include read-only memory, random-access memory, other volatile or non-volatile memory devices, CD-ROMs, magnetic tape, flash drives, and optical data storage devices.

[0113] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of the invention should therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.