AU2015200358A1 - System and Method for Facilitating In-Person Electronic Payment Transactions While a User is in Their Vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for facilitating in-person electronic payment transactions between a user and a business entity. The system comprises a remote processor accessible over a communications network. The remote processor is configured to store and update a user account associated with the user. A RFID tag is mountable on a portion of a vehicle. The tag includes a microchip for storing at least an identifier for uniquely identifying the user. A RFID reader has a transceiver. The reader is configured to read said tag when said tag is within a scanning zone covered by said reader. A local processor is proximate said reader. The local processor is configured to calculate an amount due from the user for one or more items ordered by the user from the business entity. The local processor is configured to use the reader to obtain the identifier from the tag and send a payment request over the communications network to the remote processor. The payment request includes the identifier scanned by the reader. The remote processor is configured to receive the payment request from the local processor and to debit the user account associated with the user if sufficient funds are available in the user account to cover the amount of the payment request. The local processor is configured to complete the transaction with the user after receiving an indication from said remote processor that sufficient funds are available in the user account to cover the amount of the payment request. '4 '4 Cl k '4.-' VPIN N N'~N V lix> ~ a * * N N > \s~~ w~ tc. * .-'--- ..~4vs'w~ ~4"~ 4$ 4- -~ ,- C) 4444$ ' * * -4--.- 9 *Ii * ~~'4-'N * $4 * r . S - - * * * -.. * p a

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING IN-PERSON ELECTRONIC PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS WHILE A USER IS IN THEIR VEHICLE Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to improvements in systems for facilitating payments at retail establishments where a user is typically in a vehicle. Background of the Invention [0002] Conventional systems typically involve a user ordering items such as food from the drive-thru of a restaurant, then paying for the items with a credit card or cash. One problem with such systems is that the payment process may take an extended period of time, due in part to the user searching for their credit card, handing the card to a cashier, then running the transaction. Another problem is that transactions involving credit cards inherently have increased risks of fraud due to a number of potential security breaches. [0003] The present invention seeks to lessen these problems by providing a system and method which simplifies the payment process without significant security risks. [0004] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Summary [0005] The present invention in one preferred aspect provides for a system for facilitating in-person electronic payment transactions between a user and a business entity. The system includes a remote processor accessible over a communications network, the remote processor being configured to store and update a user account associated with the user. The system also includes a RFID tag mountable on a portion of a vehicle, the tag including a microchip for storing at least an identifier for uniquely identifying the user. The system further includes a RFID reader having a transceiver, the reader being configured to read the tag when the tag is within a scanning zone covered by the reader. The system also includes a local processor proximate the reader, the local processor being configured to calculate an amount due from the user for goods and/or services rendered by the business entity. The local processor is configured to use the reader to obtain the identifier from the tag and send a payment request over the communications network to the remote processor, the payment request including the identifier scanned by the reader. The remote processor is configured to receive the payment request from the local processor and to debit the user account associated with the user if sufficient funds are available in the user account to cover the amount of the payment request. The local processor is configured to complete the transaction with the user after receiving an indication from the remote processor that sufficient funds are available in the user account to cover the amount of the payment request. [0006] In another preferred aspect, the present invention provides a system for facilitating in-person electronic payment transactions between a user and a petrol station. The system includes a remote processor accessible over a communications network, the remote processor being configured to store and update a user account associated with the user. The system also includes a RFID tag mountable on a portion of a vehicle, the tag including a microchip for storing at least an identifier for uniquely identifying the user. The system further includes a RFID reader having a transceiver, the reader being configured to read the tag when the tag is within a scanning zone covered by the reader. The system also includes a local processor proximate the reader, the local processor being configured to: use the reader to obtain the identifier from the tag and send a credit request over a communications network to the remote processor, the credit request including the identifier scanned by the reader; authorise delivery of petrol to the user if sufficient funds are available in the user account to cover the amount of the credit request; calculate an amount due from the user for petrol delivered to the user; and send a payment request over the communications network to the remote processor, the payment request including the identifier scanned by the reader and a payment amount determined based on an amount of petrol delivered to the user. [0007] In a further preferred aspect, the present invention provides a method for facilitating in-person electronic payment transactions between a user and a business entity. The method includes determining an amount due from the user for a good or service requested by the user while the user is in a vehicle; scanning a stationary RFID tag mounted on the vehicle present in a scanning zone to obtain an identifier associated with the RFID tag; sending a payment request to a remote processor, the payment request including the scanned identifier and the amount due from the user; receiving an indication from the remote processor that the user has sufficient funds in an associated user account to cover the amount due; and completing the transaction between the user and the business entity after receiving the indication that the user has sufficient funds. [0008] In yet another preferred aspect, the present invention provides a method for facilitating in-person electronic payment transactions between a user and a petrol station. The method includes scanning a stationary RFID tag mounted on the vehicle present in a scanning zone to obtain an identifier associated with the RFID tag; sending a credit request to a remote processor, the credit request including the scanned identifier and a predetermined minimum credit amount; receiving an indication from the remote processor that the user has sufficient credit in an associated user account to cover the minimum credit amount; and authorising delivery of petrol to the user after receiving the indication that the user has sufficient credit. [0009] As used herein, "in-person" means the presence of a person at a physical location owned or operated by a business entity such as a retailer, and does not include a person attempting to conduct a purchase using a mobile communications device such as a smartphone. [0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers, but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0011] The claims as filed and attached with this specification are hereby incorporated by reference into the text of the present description. [0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Brief Description of the Figures [0013] Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of a system for facilitating payment transactions in the context of a drive-thru window at a retail establishment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

_r [0014] Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of a system for facilitating payment transactions in the context of a petrol station in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0015] Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of a system for facilitating payment transactions in the context of a car park, or parking lot in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings [0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [0017] Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a system 100 having a remote processor 102, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag 104, a RFID reader 106, and a local processor 108. In a preferred example, a user pulls into a drive-thru lane of a retail establishment and orders items from a menu. Local processor 108 determines the amount to be charged and actuates reader 106 to obtain an identifier associated with a user account from which payment may be deducted. Reader 106 scans or reads tag 104, obtains the identifier and forwards the identifier to local processor 108, which forwards the amount to be charged with the identifier to remote processor 102 for verification of sufficient funds, and payment. The ordered items are provided after the payment transaction has been completed. The preferred elements of system 100 and their interrelationship are described below. [0018] Referring to Fig. 1, remote processor 102 is preferably located off-site relative to retail establishment 12. Preferably, remote processor 102 exists as part of a web platform and is accessible over a communications network, for example, the internet. Remote processor 102 is configured to function with one or more databases, such as an accounts database for storing at least one user account and/or merchant account. Such databases may physically form a part of a server in a central location, or in the Cloud as would be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. [0019] In a preferred form, tag 104 is a RFID tag that includes a microchip and antenna. The details of RFID technology would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art and, for simplicity, are not reproduced here. Tag 104 preferably stores a unique identifier for use in identifying a user account stored on an accounts database associated with remote processor 102. The identifier may be used to alternatively identify a user or vehicle without reference to any particular user account. Additionally, tag 104 may be configured to store other information, such as other identifiers for identifying a vehicle, person, and/or personal identification information such as biographical information, contact details, residential information and/or details of any reward point programs. It will be appreciated that if the user account is associated with a reward point program, points may be converted to a monetary value or credit amount in lieu of traditional payment by monetary funds. [0020] Continuing with reference to Fig. 1, reader 106 includes a transceiver for reading tag 104, and for communication with local processor 108, described in further detail below. Reader 106 preferably is fixedly attached to a brace or arm 110, and is preferably positioned so that the transceiver is in an optimal position to exclusively read tag 104 when vehicle 10 moves into a scanning zone of the drive-thru lane, as indicated by arrows 112. Arm 110 is also preferably configured for fixed attachment of a visual indicating means such as light 114, the details of which will be described in further detail below. [0021] Referring to Fig. 1, retail establishment 12 preferably includes an order station 116, such as a menu board with a communication means, and a drive-thru window or pick-up point 118, where items ordered through order station 116 may be provided to a user or consumer. Local processor 108 is preferably collocated at retail establishment 12 as shown in Fig. 1. More preferably, local processor 108 preferably forms a portion of order station 116. It will be appreciated that local processor 108 may be located proximate pick-up point 118, and configured for use as a point-of-sale terminal. Local processor may alternatively exist as portion of reader 106 if desired, which will be described in further detail below. [0022] Having described the preferred components of system 100, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to Fig. 1. A user establishes a payment account, the details of which are preferably stored remotely, for example, in the Cloud, and accessible via remote processor 102. As part of establishing the account, the user preferably provides contact information and at least one form of payment, such as a credit card number. If desired, funds may be transferred to the account to establish a credit balance in the user's favour. The user is issued tag 104 containing the microchip with an identifier associated with the user account. A verification process may be used to activate the tag and the user account if desired.

[0023] Referring to Fig. 1, the user drives into a drive-thru lane of retail establishment 10 and approaches order station 116. An order is placed for one or more items, and local processor 108 preferably is configured to determine an amount due from the user for a good or serve item requested while the user is in their vehicle. Local processor 108 signals reader 106 (shown by arrows 120) to read tag 104, preferably located within vehicle 10 just inside the windshield. Tag 104 is read by reader 106, as shown by arrows 112, and the identifier associated with tag 104, preferably with the payment amount for the items ordered, is transmitted to remote processor 102, preferably by reader 106 as shown by arrows 122. In a preferred form, the identifier excludes a credit card number. [0024] Remote processor 102 receives the payment request and identifier from reader 106 and determines whether the user account associated with the identifier has sufficient funds to cover the amount of the payment request. If sufficient funds are in the user account, remote processor 102 debits the user account for the amount due, and transfers the credit to the account nominated in the payment request. Remote processor 102 sends a confirmation message back to local processor 108 (as shown by arrows 123), which may have a component at pickup point 118, confirming that sufficient funds were available to cover the amount of the transaction. Local processor 108 then signals light 114 to preferably flash green, indicating that the payment was successfully processed. The vehicle moves to pick-up point 118 to collect the items purchased. [0025] If there are insufficient funds in the user account, remote processor 102 sends a message to local processor 108 that the transaction was not successfully processed. Local processor 108 then signals light 114 to preferably flash red, indicating that the payment was unsuccessful. [0026] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or some steps added or omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a confirmation of available funds may be sent to local processor 108 first, then the funds transferred from the user's account to the account nominated in the payment request. Also, remote processor 102 may communicate directly with reader 106 or local processor 108, which may be located at reader 106, pickup point 118 and/or order station 116.

[0027] If insufficient funds are available to cover the amount of the payment request, a top-up procedure may be initiated permitting the user to transfer funds into the user account, then repeating the payment attempt. The top-up procedure may include notifying the user that there are insufficient funds in their account and inviting the user to transfer funds to the user account from another source, such as a bank account or credit card. The notification is preferably provided by electronic means such as SMS or e-mail, and received on a pre-designated mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, associated with the user. The user may use the mobile device to make the necessary financial arrangements for the top-up of the user account. [0028] Referring now to Fig. 2, a system 200 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. System 200 is similar to system 100 except that system 200 is configured for use with a petrol station 14. In particular, system 200 preferably includes a reader 206 located on a fixed structure, such as a canopy as shown in Fig. 2, to optimally and exclusively capture identification data from tag 204. Local processor 208, preferably located on the premises of petrol station 14, more preferably at or near a bowser, is preferably configured to use reader 206 to obtain the identifier from tag 204 and send a credit request over a communications network, such as the internet or telephone lines, to remote processor 202. The credit request preferably includes a minimum charge predetermined by the petrol station owner or operator, and preferably includes the identifier read by reader 206. Local processor 208 is preferably configured to authorise delivery of petrol to vehicle 10 if sufficient funds are available in the user account to cover the amount of the credit request. After petrol has been delivered to the vehicle, an amount due is preferably calculated by local processor 208, and a payment request is sent to remote processor 202, the payment request preferably including the identifier read by reader 206 and a payment amount determined based on the amount of petrol delivered to the vehicle. [0029] Preferably, system 200 includes a local interface having a display. The local interface is preferably configured to query the user to confirm that the identifier read by reader 206 is associated with the user's account. [0030] Having described the preferred components of system 200, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. The method of use in relation to system 200 is similar to that of system 100 except that the method preferably includes a credit request before any order is processed. The establishment and replenishment of the user account is preferably as already described. In use, a vehicle is driven onto the premise of petrol station 14 to purchase fuel. As vehicle 10 enters the scanning zone covered by reader 206, one or more sensors detects the approach of vehicle 10. Such sensors may include, but are not limited to motion sensors and/or in ground sensors, such as those encountered near traffic intersections to activate a traffic signal. After receiving an indication from one or more sensors of an approaching vehicle entering the scanning zone, local processor 208 signals reader 206 to read tag 204, optimally located inside the vehicle near the windshield. Reader 206 obtains at least the identifier stored with tag 204, and a credit request is sent to remote processor 202 to check that the user has sufficient funds in their user account to cover a minimal transaction. If the user has sufficient funds, then such indication is received by local processor 208 from remote processor 202. Local processor 208 signals light 214 to flash green, indicating to the driver or user that their credit has been approved. The user may then proceed with a purchase of petrol. Once the user has finished re-fuelling their car, local processor 208 preferably calculates an amount due, and a payment request for the amount due is sent along with the identifier and the payment details of the bank or other financial institution nominated by the petrol business to receive payment. [0031] If there is insufficient funds available to cover the credit request, remote processor 202 sends such indication to local processor 208, which then signals light 214 to flash red, indicating to the driver that they have insufficient funds in the user account to purchase petrol. Thus, the driver or user may enter the petrol station and become pre-authorised to purchase fuel without even leaving their vehicle or using their smartphone. [0032] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or some steps added or omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, prior to refuelling, local processor 208 may query the user or driver via the local interface to confirm that the identifier belongs to the user as a safeguard against fraud. The query may include challenge questions, a pin number or other secret code created by the user as a security measure for use of the user account. [0033] Instead of the amount of the credit request being selected by the owner or operator of the petrol station, the user may select an amount of fuel to purchase. For example, if the user has only $10, then the user may send the credit request, using the local interface, to obtain pre-authorisation for the transaction. Alternatively, the user may select an amount of fuel, which local processor 208 may calculate into a monetary amount. Local processor 208 may then send a credit request for the calculated amount associated with the volume of petrol selected by the user. [0034] As a further alternative, the person may drive into the scanning zone, be identified, and given a green light from light 214 based on any credit that may be in the user account. Upon the credit in the user account being exhausted, the local processor stops the bowser to cease the delivery of fuel, even though the amount of fuel was less than that desired by the user. Nonetheless, the user will still have maximised the volume of fuel purchased based on available credit in the user account, which otherwise may not occur if insufficient funds are available based on a credit pre-authorisation which exceeds the credit remaining in the user account. [0035] Referring now to Fig. 3, a system 300 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. System 300 is similar to system 100 except that system 300 is configured for use with a restricted access area such as a car park or parking lot 16. In particular, system 300 preferably includes at least a second reader 306b so that a first reader 306a is positioned proximate entrance 18 and second reader 306b is positioned proximate exit 20. In addition to obtaining the identifier from tag 304 via one of readers 306a, 306b, local processor 308 would note the time the vehicle passes through the scanning zone of each reader and determine a residence time of the vehicle while in car park 16. Local processor 308 then sends a payment request to remote processor 302 with the identifier, the calculated amount due based on the residence time of vehicle 10 in car park 16, and payment details for receipt of the funds requested. An advantage of system 300 in a preferred embodiment is the opportunity for the user to enter and exit car park 16 without stopping and being inhibited by tickets or making payments. [0036] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the system is adaptable to a wide variety of situations. For example only, in addition to use with a drive-thru of a retail establishment, petrol station or car park, preferred embodiments of the present invention may be modified for use in national parks, camping areas, zoos, car ferries, car washes, and a variety of other I U applications where a payment is usually expected to be tendered while a user or driver is in their vehicle. A preferred form of the present invention may be used for situations where no payment is expected. For example, in the mining industry or construction sites, record keeping of the entry and exit of vehicles is beneficial for tracking and record maintenance. In such a situation, a system such as described for the car park in Fig. 3 may be utilised for identifying vehicles and recording their residence times. [0037] The local processor may be formed as a stand-alone unit or incorporated as part of another unit. For example, the local processor may form a part of a menu board or order station, may form a part of a point of sale terminal at a pick-up station, and/or form a part of a unit housing the reader. Where the local processor forms a part of a reader unit, the reader unit may be a comprehensive, self-contained unit having one or more transceivers configured for short range communication with the tag and long range communication with the remote processor. [0038] The reader may be adapted to read the tag only when the vehicle is stationary within the scanning zone, or while the vehicle is in motion as desired. [0039] When one or more detection sensors are included, such sensors may be used not only to activate the reader, but also to switch other electrical apparatuses from a power save mode to an active mode. For example, in a drive-thru, a vehicle approaching the scanning zone may be detected by a motion sensor or in-ground sensor. The local processor may be configured to activate the reader to read the tag associated with the vehicle, and also power-up a menu board (lights, etc.) from a power save mode to an active mode. A few advantages of such a system include energy savings and the reduction of overhead costs to the retailer. [0040] The indicating means for indicating whether the user has sufficient funds in their user account to cover a credit request and/or payment request may be formed in a variety of ways. For example, the indicating means may be visual, such as shown in Fig. 1, audio, and/or electronic (e.g., SMS and/or e-mail). Where visual means are utilised, coloured lights may be used to indicate the availability of funds in the user account, for example, green for sufficient funds being available, or red for insufficient funds being available. The light may be constant, or flashing. [0041] The contents of payment requests and credit requests may include nominated bank or financial institution details of the party seeking payment, and/or may I I include a merchant identification for a merchant account associated with the web platform associated with the remote processor. [0042] In a preferred form, the system utilises only RFID technology locally to obtain the identity of the user or user account. Other communications platforms such as Wi-Fi are excluded in a preferred form of the present invention as such are more susceptible to hacking, and therefore less secure. [0043] The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0044] The present invention in a preferred form provides the advantages of ease of use and enhanced security compared to conventional systems, which are more prone to hacking. [0045] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (13)

1. A system for facilitating in-person electronic payment transactions between a user and a business entity, comprising: a remote processor accessible over a communications network, said remote processor being configured to store and update a user account associated with the user; a RFID tag mountable on a portion of a vehicle, said tag including a microchip for storing at least an identifier for uniquely identifying the user; a RFID reader having a transceiver, said reader being configured to read said tag when said tag is within a scanning zone covered by said reader; and a local processor proximate said reader, said local processor being configured to calculate an amount due from the user for one or more items ordered by the user from the business entity, said local processor being configured to use said reader to obtain the identifier from said tag and send a payment request over the communications network to said remote processor, the payment request including the identifier scanned by said reader, said remote processor being configured to receive the payment request from said local processor and to debit the user account associated with the user if sufficient funds are available in the user account to cover the amount of the payment request, said local processor being configured to complete the transaction with the user after receiving an indication from said remote processor that sufficient funds are available in the user account to cover the amount of the payment request.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said reader is configured to read said tag only when said tag is stationary within the scanning zone.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said local processor is configured for use as a point-of-sale terminal proximate a drive-thru window.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second RFID reader, said local processor being configured to store a time of entry the vehicle enters a restricted access area using said RFID reader, said local processor being configured to collect a time of intended exit of the vehicle from the restricted access area, said local processor I IJ being configured to determine a residence time the vehicle was within the restricted access area based on the entry time and the intended exit time.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said local processor is configured to determine an amount due based on the residence time.

6. A system for facilitating in-person electronic payment transactions between a user and a petrol station, comprising: a remote processor accessible over a communications network, said remote processor being configured to store and update a user account associated with the user; a RFID tag mountable on a portion of a vehicle, said tag including a microchip for storing at least an identifier for uniquely identifying the user; a RFID reader having a transceiver, said reader being configured to read said tag when said tag is within a scanning zone covered by said reader; and a local processor proximate said reader, said local processor being configured to: use said reader to obtain the identifier from said tag and send a credit request over a communications network to said remote processor, the credit request including the identifier scanned by said reader; authorise delivery of petrol to the user if sufficient funds are available in the user account to cover the amount of the credit request; calculate an amount due from the user for petrol delivered to the user; and send a payment request over the communications network to said remote processor, the payment request including the identifier scanned by said reader and a payment amount determined based on an amount of petrol delivered to the user.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a local user interface having a display, said local processor being configured to query the user to confirm that the identifier scanned by said reader is associated with the user's account. I " "

8. The system of either claim 6 or 7, further comprising a visual indicating means for indicating to the user that the delivery of petrol has been authorised.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said visual indicating means includes a coloured light configured to change colours depending upon whether the delivery of petrol has been authorised.

10. A method for facilitating in-person electronic payment transactions between a user and a business entity, comprising: determining an amount due from the user for a good or service requested by the user while the user is in a vehicle; scanning a stationary RFID tag mounted on the vehicle present in a scanning zone to obtain an identifier associated with the RFID tag; sending a payment request to a remote processor, the payment request including the scanned identifier and the amount due from the user; receiving an indication from the remote processor that the user has sufficient funds in an associated user account to cover the amount due; and completing the transaction between the user and the business entity after receiving the indication that the user has sufficient funds.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the indication received includes a confirmation that the amount due has been transferred from the user's account to an account associated with the business entity.

12. A method for facilitating in-person electronic payment transactions between a user and a petrol station, comprising: scanning a stationary RFID tag mounted on the vehicle present in a scanning zone to obtain an identifier associated with the RFID tag; sending a credit request to a remote processor, the credit request including the scanned identifier and a predetermined minimum credit amount; receiving an indication from the remote processor that the user has sufficient credit in an associated user account to cover the minimum credit amount; and I I) authorising delivery of petrol to the user after receiving the indication that the user has sufficient credit.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising requesting the user to verify that the identifier scanned by the reader is associated with the user before authorising the delivery of petrol to the user.