AU2004265855B2

AU2004265855B2 - Payment transaction system and method

Info

Publication number: AU2004265855B2
Application number: AU2004265855A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert Mebruer
Original assignee: U Marketing Intellectual Properties Pte Ltd
Current assignee: U-MARKETING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2003-08-18
Filing date: 2004-08-18
Publication date: 2010-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-18
Also published as: AU2004265855A1

Description

- 1 -' t& * £ Xt 6 A L . I .- 1-x _PAYMNT TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD Field of the Invention This invention relates to a payment transaction system and 5 method. Background of the Invention many electronic forms of payment are now in existence. Such systems include the use of debit and credit cards 10 which are used to make payments by electronically debiting a bank account or a credit account. To simplify the manner in which payments are made, proposals have been made to make payments by way of a 15 mobile or cellular telephone. These methods basically relate to integrated voice response processes, in which the consumer uses the phone and is interrogated by a system to input prompts by voice. These known proposals have two main problems, namely time sensitivity and non 20 interoperability. Thus, integrated voice response processes take too long to be an advantage to either the purchaser or the seller or are frustrating to both. Similarly, SMS messaging may have time lag issues if SMS messaging is used instead of voice prompt techniques. 25 Won-interoperability may also be an issue because different cellular networks operate in various countries, and these different networks can employ different technology platforms that are not necessarily interoperable with each other, thereby compounding the 30 time lag issue of payment transactions, especially when a person is not within their usual national jurisdiction. Object of the Invention The object of the present invention is to provide a system 35 and method which makes payments by means of a communication device such as a mobile phone easier. C, \bocu~mec 2mid Setting.\raY'mn\Loca 5cLtifls\,Traqraz~y Zatornel: r±1er\v n\.AnO-R Ci B1ak P1T-$G2OH1oaozso ndmen~s~-o 2/on/o Keceiveu.: nuLWL -2 Summary of the Invention The invention provides a payment transaction system . comprising: a first processor having an apparatus for receiving 5 payment data from a communication device belonging to a consumer to enable payment to be made for goods or services,. an EPOS checkout terminal, and a store back office server having a store database connected to the EPOS checkout terminal; 10 a retailer processor having a. comunication transmission processor and a transaction payment database; a first communication link connecting the receiver processor to the retailer processor; a central facility having a payment approval 15 processor and an account transaction payment database, the account transaction database maintaining a database of accounts relating to consumers so that the processor can interrogate the database and determine whether a payment is to be approved or declined; 20 a second communication link for connecting the retailer prQceSSOr to the central facility no that the payment data can be transmitted from the retailer head office server to the payment approval processor, and for transmitting a signal back from the central facility to 25 the head office server indicating that payment is approved to enable updating of the transaction payment database of the retail head office server; a third communication link for communicating the central facility with the receiver processor for enabling 30 an indication of the approval of the payment to be transmitted -from the central facility to the receiver processor so that the EPOS checkout terminal is provided with an indication that payment is approved to enable a consumer to receive the goods or services relating to the 35 payment, :OC=ocumnts2 and settingn\Taan\cLOcal BOtbins\TeUP~rarY YutrnmeL FmLoe0\tOn\ho LJA -. Er . .Go-oUD2SO Jmendmnt 7do 0 2/ea/ s Amended Sheet Tnr A /AT T 3 Preferably the central facility is also for transmitting a Signal t hyl lofrtasitn to the communication device of the consumer indicating that payment is approved. - Preferably the signal is an SMS message. Preferably the communication device is provided with a preset template which is downloaded to facilitate the input of information by the consumer into the mobile 10 telephone relating to the payment so the mobile telephone can transfer the payment data to the receiver processor. Preferably the receiver processor includes an ZDC (Electronic Data Capture) machine or cradle for receiving 15 the mobile telephone transmission or mobile telephone to enable the transfer of the payment information to the receiver processor. In other embodiments, the transfer from the mobile 20 telephone may be by way of infrared communication or blue tooth communication. Preferably the communication device comprises a mobile telephone. 25 Preferably the second communication link comprises at least one fixed line for connecting the modem to the central facility. 30 The first and third communication links may comprise a common communication network interconnecting the receiver processor, the retailer processor and the central facility. 35 The invention still further provides a payment transaction system comprising: Ci\Dccumenza mad aer iABrv\TayaniLrczi 2 rinTno~~fint Pji~e\O0LM2\Sha 0 k Lin oR0 ~- =0400 Amenmenca.dcc 2/oa/os A --aAaA 01,a-+ Received 2 August 20U -4 a central facility having a payment approval processor and a transaction payment database, the database maintaining accounts relating to respective consumers, and the payment approval processor being for interrogating the 5 database and determining whether a payment is to be approved based on the status of the consumers account, as maintained in the database, the central facility being for receiving payment data from a communication device belonging to a consumer, and if payment is to be approved 10 for transmitting an approval code back to the communication device; a receiver processor associated with a retail outlet for receiving an approval signal including the approval code from the central facility, the receiver processor 15 including a store back office server having a payment application processor and a store database, the store database being for storing the approved payment, and an EPOS collection point for receiving from the payment application processor the approval code and for storing 20 the approval code, so that when the consumer presents at the collection point to collect goods or services paid for, the approval code transmitted to the user's communication device and the stored approval code at the collection point are matched to confirm payment; 25 a communication link for communicating the central facility with the receiver processor; a retail head office server including a payment database for receiving from the store back office server approval payment details for storing the payment 30 transaction details to enable reconciliation of payments with the central facility; and a second communication link for connecting the store back office server with the retailer head office server. 35 Preferably the first communication link comprises a fixed line communication link. C:\DIcumentn and Setting;\Tayan\LoCal IetInMgS\Ttnpan' Internet Fizee\OaLn2\SOOk Idn BQK - CV-SG004-O00025a mundmntstgoo 2/OA/OS Amended Sheet TiPA/AT Keceivcu n Preferably the payment application processor of the store back office server communicates with the EPOS collection point via a store communication network. 5 Preferably the communication device is provided with a preset template for downloading to facilitate the input of data by the consumer to form the payment data supplied to the central facility. 10 The invention also provides a payment transaction method comprising: receiving payment data from a communication device belonging to a consumer by a first processor to enable payment to be made for goods or services, an EPOS checkout 15 terminal, and a store back office server having a store database connected to the EPOS checkout terminal; providing a retailer processor having a communication transmission processor and a transaction payment database; providing a first communication link connecting the 20 receiver processor to the retailer processor; providing a central facility having a payment approval processor and an account transaction payment database, the account transaction database maintaining. -a database of accounts relating to consumers so that the 25 processor can interrogate the database and determine whether a payment is to be approved or declined; providing a second communication link for connecting the retailer processor to the central facility so that the payment data can be transmitted from the retailer head 30 office server to the payment approval processor, and for transmitting a signal back from the central facility to the head office server indicating that payment is approved to enable updating of the transaction payment database of the retail head office server; and 35 providing a third communication link for communicating the central facility with the receiver processor for enabling an indication of the approval of C,\Do e /nt /dobsti \Tayaa\Locni setting\TeMomary Itenet iiLna\Otn\sb0Qh ±in 2ok - Per-sc2 D ao Amended Sheet munA/ATT --- 6 the payment to be transmitted from the central facility to the receiver processor so that the EPOS checkout terminal is provided with an indication that payment is approved to enable a consumer to receive the goods or services 5 relating to the payment. Preferably the central facility also transmits a signal to the communication device of the consumer indicating that payment is approved. 10 Preferably the signal is an SMS message. -Preferably the communication device is provided with a preset template which is downloaded to facilitate the 15 input of information by the consumer into the mobile telephone relating to the payment so the mobile telephone can transfer the payment data to the receiver processor. Preferably the receiver processor includes an EDC 20 (Electronic Data Capture) machine or cradle for receiving the mobile telephone to transfer the payment information to the receiver processor. Preferably the communication device comprises a mobile 25 telephone. Preferably the second communication link comprises at least one fixed line for connecting the modem to the central facility. 30 Preferably the first and third communication links comprine a common comnmientL, ,z woLwork interconnecting the receiver processor, the retailer processor and the central facility. 35 The invention still further provides a payment transaction method comprising: C:\Doaumenna Lud serriAse\TaYan\TOa1 VetL~n5\Tnorary xntexnqc Pi~en\oLun2\sai Lin Dtk -Pr-smaoa-ons JbMhQntdrntudlia 2/no/as -7 providing a central facility having a payment approval processor and a transaction payment database, the database maintaining accounts relating to respective consumers, and the payment approval processor 5 interrogating the database and determining whether a payment is to be approved based on the status of the consumers account, ae maintained in the database, the central facility receiving payment data from a communication device belonging to % CQNaumer, and if 10 payment is to be approved for transmitting an approval code back to the communication device; - providing a receiver processor associated with a retail outlet for receiving an approval signal including the approval code from the central facility, the receiver 15 processor including a store back office server having a payment application processor and a store database, the store database storing the approved payment, and an EPOS collection point receiving from the payment application processor the approval code and storing the approval code, 20 so that when the consumer presents at the collection point to collect goods or services paid for, the approval code transmitted to the user's communication device and the stored approval code at the collection point are matched to confirm payment; 25 providing a, communication link for 'communicating the central facility with the receiver processor; providing a retail head office server including a payment database for receiving from the store back office server approval payment details for storing the payment 30 transaction details to enable reconciliation .of payments with the central facility; and providing a second communication link for connecting the store back office server with the retailer head office server. 35 Preferably the first communication link comprises a fixed line communication link. C.tcuet mSctngdyn t~a ivL~s\rporaz'y rncexzut~ EiXSO\0Ln2\Shook Lia HQX - Pt-czaos..L025o hm~ndn~u~~2/an/0.s -8 Preferably the payment application processor of the store back office server communicates with the EPOS collection point via a store communication network. Preferably the communication device is provided with a preset template for downloading to facilitate the input of data by the consumer to form the payment data supplied to the central facility. 10 Elef Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 15 Figure 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the invention for face-to-face payment transactions; Figures 2A and 2B are diagrams of various retail stores using the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of 20 the invention for non-face-to--face payment transactions. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments With reference to Figure 1, a first embodiment of the invention will be described, in which payments are made 25 face-to-face when the consumer presents at a checkout of a retail store. In order to utilise the system and method according to tht first embodiment of the invention, a consumer applies for 30 a pre-approved credit/debit limit from a bank or financial institution which forms a central facility 100. The account which the consumer obtains may be a credit limit for purchases, or an account whereby the consumer is required to maintain funds and only draw down funds which 35 are actually banked or otherwise saved by the consumer. Thus, the transactions can be in the nature of credit =1Dcu~et dtt~~TyaA jectizsa\Trpcrpir Inrenhoc W1en\QLX1\shoak Lift Sot rCT-Eczao4ooo029 knendmnxjt.dmC 2/OO/OS Keceivcu ArsUL transactions or purely debit transactions against a consumer's bank account balance. The central authority may typically be represented by a 5 bank or, other financial institution. The central facility 100 comprises an account transaction payment database 101 which maintains a database of all the account balances of the consumers operating the system. The central faciliLy also includes an approval processor 102 which is 10 programmed with debit/credit approval payment application software which can receive a request for payment and interrogate the database to determine whether the payment is to be authorized or to be declined based on the balance of the consumer' s account and other data or information 15 which is stored relating to the consumer and which is to be used by the central facility in order to make a determination whether to approve the payment or decline the payment. 20 When a consumer opens an account, the consumer is provided with an anrnint number -and a paraonal ;awauificacion number (PIN). The consumer is also provided with a preset template which is supplied from the central facility 100 to a communication device, such as a mobile telephone 103, 25 belonging to the consumer. The preset template is stored in the consumer's mobile telephone 103 and will assist the user in operating this system by organising input data which is to be supplied to enable a payment to be made, such as by following prompts or comnnands which may be 30 displayed on a screen (not, shown) of the mobile telephone 103. Participating retailers who will offer the payment system and method are identified by the reference R in Figure 1. 35 only one retailer is shown but typically, a number of separate retailers R will operate the system. The separate retailers R may be individual traders or may Os\lociMenbt and Settingu\Tayan\Local SattingS\Temornry Xternet Finelosnic2\hoak Lin Bor - cT-G200O6OG250 Amennenlt adnr 2109/0s Amended Sheet Tny A IATT &'.%t'd V 4tI - bL LS.'JJ - 10 belong to a chain of retail outlets R operated by L1±an itw organisation. Each of the retail outlets R is provided with a receiver 5 processor P1 for receiving input data from the consumer's mobile phone 103. Each individual retail outlet R or each chain of retail outlets R. is provided with a retailer processor P2 at a retailer head office location. Thus, each sole retail outlet R will have a processor P2 which 10 may be located at the premises of that retailer, as shown in Figure 2A. However, if, for example, 10 different retail stores are operating in the same chain of retailers, those 10 retailers,'R' to Ri3 0 (Figure 2B) will have a common single processor P2 located at a head office 15 location for that chain of retail outlets R. The processor P1 and the processor P2 are connected to one another by a communication network 150. The communication network 150 also connects to the central facility 100, 20 Each processor P1 and each retail store R has a store EPOS checkout terminal 105 which is located in the store from which products may be purchased. The store also includes a store back office server 'InR which is connected to tho 25 EPOS terminal 105. The server 108 has a store database 107 for maintaining details of all payment transactions associated with the particular retail outlet R. The EPOS checkout terminal 105 and store back office 30 server 108 communicate with the head office servers 111 via the communication network 150. The retailer's head zEf!- mJ-vA.- 111 J-ncludes a twjx app.Leatlon software modem 109 and a transaction payment database 110, The server 111 communicates with the central facility 110 via 35 a fixed line or fixed lines 160 and also via the communication network 15D. C:\acumevie and Sctting;\Taran\Loca Bniensoila\nWorary Znrornet Fflen\0Mn2\anok LUn Pok - RFr-BD2OD4-no25 A ..- 2 flt11_.-.

- 11 - When a consumer wishes to pay for goods at the retail outlet, the consumer presents at the EPOS checkout terminal 105 and the goods are processed at the terminal 105 in the usual manner. When the total balance payable 5 is determined, the user locates his or her mobile phone 103 in EDC cradle 104 and downloads the preset template stored in the mobile telephone so the template is displayed on the screen of the mobile telephone. The consumer can then key in the account code/PIN and an 10 amount payable according to the balance wrung up at the EPOS terminal 105 in accordance with the template which is displayed 'to the consumer. The consumer can then simply press "send" on the mobile telephone and the payment data will be sent via General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to 15 cradle 104 and then from the processor P1 to the processor P2. The communication may be via the terminal 105 and store back office server 108, and the communication network 150 to the head office server 111. Alternatively, the communication from the cradle 104 may be from some 20 other retail network including the communication network 150 to the processor P2. The GPRS application software modem 109 will receive the payment data at the processor P2 and will forward the data to the central facility 100 via fixed line 160 so the data is received by the approval 25 processor 102. The approval processor 102 will then determine, based on the account balance in the database 101 associated with that consumer, and any other rules relating to that 30 consumer, whether the payment is to be approved or declined. The signal indicating approval -or declining of the payment is transmitted via line 160 back to retail head office server 111 so that a payment transaction record in transaction payment database 110 can be updated 35 to show that a payment has been approved and notify the retailer of the assurance of payment for the goods the consumer is going to take. The central facility 100 also C:Wocumnra arud Setringo\Tayan\LOg ±tttingA\Tqriinry Tnnernet rhxoo\OLnZ\Oha*c Li..- . PCY-6GAUU4-UvUnJQ .Aenamenta.d0C 2/O/0s Amended Sheet mflA /ATT - 12 forwards via the network 150 the approval signal back to the store back office server 108 and then to the EPOS terminal 105 so the EPOS terminal 105 is provided with an immediate indication as to whether the approval is given 5 or whether the transaction is to be declined. If the payment is approved, then the EPOS terminal 105 can print a store receipt 112 and the consumer can take the goods. .If the payment is.declined, then the transaction stops 4 10 If approval takes place, the approval processor 102 will cause the balance relating to that consumer in the database 101 to be updated with that transaction. Thus, if payment is approved, the account balance is debited to reduce the balance, or the credit provided is increased in 15 accordance with the payment. The approval is also updated at the store database 107 associated with the server 108 so the store has a record of the actual transactions applicable to it, and at the 20. end of each transaction day, the transactions from each of the retail stores R (such as R, to RIO) stored in the respective store databases 107 are uploaded to the retailer head office server 111 so the retailer server 111 knows which payments are associated with which of the 25 retail outlets R 1 to RIO operating the system. Thus, at the end of each transaction day, payments can be reconciled so that each retail outlet R and the retail head office know what payments are to be made to which of the retail outlets R. 30 The central facility 100 pays the retailer at the agreed terms and conditions to complete the full transaction cycle. 35 When the approval processor 102 approves the payment, the processor 102 also forwards an SMS message as indicated by C:\flacu1rt and SeMtrnD\aYaU\LCOZ1 Sshtin~\Tenpnraxy Xntaxno; Pi16&\LCIO\Slwoal Lin f30k - PCT-S3;2CQ04-QQQ2SO ~XefldSAnt,.do Q/n-/O Received 2 AUgUSI zuus - 13 line 162 direct to the consumer's mobile phone 103 informing the user that the payment has been approved. In other embodiments, instead of using 'the EDC (Electronic 5 Data Capture) machine or cradle 104 to receive the GPRS signal from the mobile phone 103, communication between the mobile phone 103 and the EPOS checkout terminal 105 may be by way of infrared signal or blue-tooth/GPRS communication. 10 In the case of infrared communication, IR devices associated with the mobile phone 103 and the EPOS terminal 105 will "discover" each other and develop an instance one-to-one communication. This will happen within range 15 of each other and initiate the process of connection and accommodating exchange of information over the IR link between the mobile telephone 103 and the processor P1. In the case of blue-tooth/GPRS communication, both the 20 mobile telephone and the EPOS terminal devices must be blue-tooth enabled. When ready, the blue-tooth enabled mobile phone will send the input data input by the user via GPRS via a POS device at the checkout terminal 105. 25 Apart from the different communication of the input data from the mobile telephone to the processor Pl, the system, when using infrared communication or blue-tooth/GPRS communication, operates the same as that previously described. 30 Figure 3 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the invention in which the payments are non-face-to-face payments. In this embodiment, an account is set up in exactly the same way as in the earlier embodiment, and the 35 user's mobile phone 200 is provided with a preset template which is stored in the mobile phone to enable payments to take place. C:\fO cuwnt:C 4 settinga\vCayan\xnocl settinga\Tauotaxy Intcnrob ?ileaoLfl2\Shool Lin BOX - sc-sc20o4-OOsa Amended Sheet TD7PA/ATT KeeiVeU 4 AUgua - 14 When the consumer wishes to purchase goods, the consumer calls the central facility 201. On the preset template on the mobile phone 200, the user keys in his or her account 5 code, PIN and participating retailer's account number to identify which retailer or store the consumer intends to make the purchase, and also a collection point from which goods, etc. will be collected. The collection point is provided with an EPOS terminal 208. 10 The input data provided by the consumer is transmitted by the mobile phone 200 as a telephone call, data communication or the like to the central facility 201. 15 The central facility 201 is the same as the central facility 100 previously described, which includes the approval processor 203 and the account transaction payment database 202. Thus, approval for the. purchase or the declining of the payment of the purchase is made in the 20 same manner as previously described. The approval is communicated from the central facility 201 via fixed line 250 to processor Pl at the particular retailer outlet R from which the goods are to be purchased. The processor P1 includes a store back office server 204 which includes 25 a payment application processor 206 and a store database 205. The server 204 is connected to the EPOS terminal 208 associated with the retail outlet R via local communication network 260. 30 If approval for the payment is given, the central facility returns a signal back to the mobile telephone 200 by way of telephone call or data transmission which includes a confirmation of the approval and also an approval code, as is represented by arrow 221. The approval which is 35 provided from the central facility 201 via the fixed line 250 also includes the amount and approval code so that the \Documeta and a \r - teen m\Tcmporary Intemet tieeor\swok Ln EX - Kr-Sn2C04-DD2sa Amended Sheet Tl, A I AT T - 15 approval .code is also received by the processor P1 at the retail store. The server 204.is also.connected to a retail head office 5 server 207 via communication network 270 which may be a dedicated fixed line, internet communication network, or any other suitable local or wide area communication network. Once again, each of the retail outlets R operating the system and associated with a particular 10 chain communicate with a single head office 'server 207 associated with that chain. Once again, if the payment is approved, the account balance relating to the user in the database 202 is updated. 15 When the central facility 201 sends via the fixed line 250 a signal to the store back office server 204 indicating that thu transaction ia approved (wL deulined) , the sore database 205 is updated to provide a record of the assurance to pay. The payment processor 206 communicates 20 with the EPOS terminal 208 so that a standby transaction record is forwarded to the EPOS terminal 208, which includes the payment amount and the approval code. When the consumer visits the EPOS terminal 208, the 25 approval code is downloaded on the mobile phone and shown to the store personnel, who then calls up the standby transaction record and records the matching approval codes. A store receipt 209 is printed to confirm the tralisaction. The store EPOS terminal 208 updates the 30 store database 205 via the link 260 to show that the transaction has been completed and the goods have been received. At the end of each transaction day, the store back office server 204 sends all data back to the head office server 207 which reconciles with the mobile payment 35 transactions in the transaction payment database. The head office server 207 which, in this embodiment, forms the processor P2, also reconciles payments approved by the C:\D0cumQrnCg3 =d LBettIagerWaN\Loan settinS\TmpQraIr Internet P±1ODAOLfl2\Manck Lini 11o) - Pa-=2f4-OO250 kvcndmone duc 21/n5r~ Received 2 August 200b - 16 central facility so that settlement can take place with the central facility at the agreed terms and conditions to complete the full transaction cycle. 5 Since modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may readily be effected by persons skilled within the art, it is to.be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described by way of example hereinabove. 10 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise", or variations such as 15 "comprises" or "comprising", is used in an inclusive sense, is. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. C:\Dltswento und Setting\Tfan \Lncal Settinga\Tempornry Inctrner Filea\D.;2\Shook Lin Ok - Ear=B200-00v250 Amendments ,dnC 2/0/05 Amended Sheet

Claims

1. A payment transaction system comprising: a first processor having an apparatus for receiving 5 payment data from a communication device belonging to a consumer to enable payment to be made for goods or services, an EPOS checkout terminal, and a store back office server having a store database connected to the EPOS checkout terminal; 10 a retailer processor having a communication transmission processor and a transaction payment database; a first communication link connecting the receiver processor to the retailer processor; a central facility having a payment approval 15 processor and an account transaction payment database the account transaction database maintaining a.database of accounts relating to consumers so that the processor can interrogate the database and determine whether a payment is to be approved or declined; 20 a second communication link for connecting the retailer processor to the central facility so that the payment data can be transmitted from the retailer head office server to the payment approval processor, and for transmitting a signal back from the central facility to 25 the head office server indicating that payment is approved to enable updating of the transaction payment database of the retail head office server; a third communication .link for communicating the central facility with the receiver processor for enabling 30 an indication of the approval of the payment to be transmitted from the central facility to the receiver processor so that the EPOS checkout terminal is provided with an indication that payment is approved to enable a consumer to receive the goods or services relating to the 35 payment. C:\sacumenta @nd Settinfg0\Tya\LoC-a Satting\TeIWrary tedst rile\LIQ2\Shouk Lin Vol - rCT-a02004-000250 Pqiendments..aCe 2/D8/Os Amended Sheet TuDA/ATT Received 2 August 2005 - 18 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the central facility is also for transmitting a signal to the communication device of the consumer indicating that payment is approved. 5 3.- The system'of claim 2 wherein the signal is an SMS message.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication device is provided with a preset template which is 10 downloaded to facilitate the input of information by the consumer into the mobile telephone relating to the payment so the mobile telephone can transfer the payment data to the receiver processor. 15 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the receiver processor includes an EDC (Electronic Data Capture) machine or cradle for receiving the mobile telephone to enable the transfer of the payment information to the receiver processor. 20

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication device comprises a mobile telephone.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the second 25 communication link comprises at least one fixed line for connecting the modem to the central facility. B. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and third communication links comprise a common comunication 30 network interconnecting the receiver processor, the retailer processor and the central facility.

9. A payment transaction system comprising: a central facility having a payment approval 35 processor and a transaction payment database, the database maintaining accounts relating to respective consumers, and the payment approval processor being for interrogating the Co\noc~cnta a aettIrsaars\nzynn oca1 sectingvrmpore=y Tnetrnut A \Oa L ook ntj lic - Box r-S oH-oD0 AandmentA.dmc 2ed8eS5 Amended Sheet - -Received 2 August 2005 - 19 database and determining whether a payment is to be approved based on the status of the consumers account, as maintained in the database, the central facility being for receiving payment data from a communication device 5 belonging to a consumer, and if payment is to be approved for transmitting an approval code back to the communication device; a receiver processor associated with a retail outlet for receiving an approval signal including the approval 10 code from the central facility, the receiver processor including a store back office server having a payment application processor and a store database, the store database being for storing the approved payment, and an EPOS collection point for receiving from the payment 15 application processor the approval code and for storing the approval code, so that when the consumer presents at the collection point to collect goods or services paid for, the approval code transmitted to the user's communication device and the stored approval code at the 20 collection point are matched to confirm payment; a communication link for communicating the central facility with the receiver processor; a retail head office server including a payment database for receiving from the store back office server 25 approval payment details for storing the payment transaction details to enable reconciliation of payments with the central facility; and a second communication link for connecting the store back office server with the retailer head office server. 30

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the first communication link comprises a fixed line communication link.

11. The system of claim 9 wherein the payment application 35 processor of the store back office server communicates with the EPOS collection point via a store communication network. C.\VwDnmentn amd Setting \ anf\LoaCl. Sttingr\Temporary IrtCXnet Files\Ll2\Sno0k Lin Bak - V-G2u04-9U0250 Amendmcuca-don 2/ed/Se Amended Sheet Received 2 August 200'> - 20 12. The system of claim 9 wherein the communication device is provided with a preset template for downloading to facilitate the input of data by the consumer to form 5 the payment data supplied to the central facility.

13. A payment transaction method comprising: receiving payment data from a communication device belonging to a consumer by a first processor to enable 10 payment to be made for goods or services, an EPOS checkout terminal, and a store back office server having a store database connected to the EPOS checkout terminal; providing a retailer processor having a communication transmission processor and a transaction payment database; 15 providing a first communication link .connecting the receiver processor to the retailer processor; providing a central facility having a payment approval processor and an account transaction payment database, the account transaction database maintaining a 20 database of accounts relating to consumers so that the processor can interrogate the database and determine whether a payment is to be approved or declined; providing a second communication link for connecting the retailer processor to the central facility so that the 25 payment data can be transmitted from the retailer head office server to the payment approval processor, and for transmitting a signal back from the central facility to the head office server indicating that payment is approved to enable updating of the transaction payment database of 30 the retail head office server; and providing a third communication link for communicating .the central facility with the receiver processor for enabling an indication of the approval of the payment to be transmitted from the central facility to 35 the receiver processor so that the EPOS checkout terminal is prcivided with an indication that payment is approved to C-\oeuwMlte .nd SQtmanV\TayaA\LoCaz setting\Teorry Intemt or&1\w12\$nooe ran 1IOQ - rr-SC2QO0-UDoo sa Jlmenimhrme,doc 2/09fU5 Amended Sheet TDV A nATt V Ai~ L LLL 5 LOL. Z-VJ. - 21 enable a consumer to receive the goods or services relating to the payment.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the central facility 5 also transmits a signal to the communication device of the consumer indicating that payment is approved.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the signal is an SMS message. 10

16. The method of claim 13 wherein the communication device is provided with a-preset template which is downloaded to facilitate the input of information by the consumer into the mobile telephone relating to the payment 15 so the mobile telephone can transfer the payment data to the receiver processor.

17. The method'of claim 13 wherein the receiver processor includes an EDC (Electronic Data Capture) machine or 20 cradle for receiving the mobile telephone to transfer the payment information to the receiver processor.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein the communication device comprises a mobile telephone. 25

19. The method of claim 13 wherein the second communication link comprises at least one fixed line for connecting the modem to the central facility. 30 20.- The method of claim 13 wherein the first and third communication links comprise a common communication network interconnecting the receiver processor, the retailer processor and the central facility. 35 21. A payment transaction method comprising: providing a central facility having a payment approval processor and a transaction payment database, the C,\flaonnnna and 0e;;~nu\tmy=\LdaI BeLtinsv~\rpor Internet Pilei3\LxZZ\fcMok Lit Sole - PCT-SG200-ooo2na Received 2 August LuuD -22 database maintaining accounts relating to respective consumers, and the payment approval processor interrogating the database and determining whether a payment is to be approved based on the status of the 5 consumers account, as !maintained in the database, the central facility receiving payment data from a communication device belonging to a consumer, and if payment is to be approved for transmitting an approval code back to the communication device; 10 providing a receiver processor associated with a retail outlet for receiving an approval signal including the approval code from the central facility, the receiver processor including a store back office server having a payment application processor and a store database, the 15 store database storing the approved payment, and an- EPOS collection point receiving from the payment application processor the approval code and storing the approval code, so that when the consumer presents at thte collection point to collect goods or services paid for, the approval code 20 transmitted to the user's communication device and the stored approval code at the collection point are matched to confirm payment; providing a communication link for communicating the central facility with the receiver processor; 25 providing a retail head office server including a payment database for receiving from the store back office server approval payment details for storing the payment transaction details to enable reconciliation of payments with the central facility; and 30 . providing a second communication link for connecting the store back office server with the retailer head office server.

22. The method ot claim 21 wherein the first 35 communication link comprises a fixed line communication link. c:\Docucnta And Settinge\Tnynn\Local SettZingS\Tmpozaxy ITbernee Pilen\Otn2\EhocK Lin Dak - PT-SG2004-0a0250 Atmendmenrz .Got Glee/05 Amended Sheet xeceivea z august zuu) - 23 23. The method of claim 21 wherein the .payment application processor of the store back office server communicates with the EPOS collection point via a store comunication- network.

24. The system of claim 21 wherein the communication device is provided with a preset template for downloading to facilitate the input of data by the consumer to form the payment data supplied to the central facility. 10 C:\DqQVD1#f00 CB SeOMinsI\TayMN\Loca SettinouVNmporury IncorCes Fi1es\QL12\Shoo Lin BOak - Pr-sC20a4-QOD250