WO2000067178A2 - Anonymous on-line payment system and method - Google Patents
Anonymous on-line payment system and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000067178A2 WO2000067178A2 PCT/US2000/011854 US0011854W WO0067178A2 WO 2000067178 A2 WO2000067178 A2 WO 2000067178A2 US 0011854 W US0011854 W US 0011854W WO 0067178 A2 WO0067178 A2 WO 0067178A2
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- Prior art keywords
- account
- consumer
- vendor
- funds
- user
- Prior art date
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 102
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 42
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- RWSOTUBLDIXVET-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dihydrogen sulfide Chemical compound S RWSOTUBLDIXVET-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 238000001994 activation Methods 0.000 description 42
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 239000012769 display material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003203 everyday effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012011 method of payment Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/02—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
- G07F7/025—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices by means, e.g. cards, providing billing information at the time of purchase, e.g. identification of seller or purchaser, quantity of goods delivered or to be delivered
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
- G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
- G06Q20/342—Cards defining paid or billed services or quantities
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/38—Payment protocols; Details thereof
- G06Q20/385—Payment protocols; Details thereof using an alias or single-use codes
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to data processing systems and, more particularly, to a financial transaction system.
- CyberCash Electronic spending over the Internet is a rapidly growing industry fueled by the consumers attraction to its speed, convenience, entertainment value, low prices, and selection. The industry, however, has not grown as fast as expected because the existing on-line spending options do not offer solutions to a large group of potential and existing on-line spenders needs. Examples of known on-line spending business models are described below.
- CyberCash (www.cvbercash.com) makes software for secure financial exchanges via the Internet.
- CyberCash acts as a gatekeeper linking the Internet to bank networks using security based on encryption.
- the user sends CyberCash their credit-card number or bank account information, and CyberCash gives them an "electronic wallet” that records their transactions over the Internet, encrypts the payment, and sends it to the vendor.
- the consumer establishes a pre-paid Instabug account. Buyers hit the "pay” button on the instabug web page to transfer the funds from their accounts to the vendor's CyberCoin cash register. DigiCash
- DigiCash's (www.digicash.com) electronic cash, called eCash, is paperless money that can be transferred on the Internet.
- a user may withdraw eCash electronically from a bank that also subscribes to the system.
- the "digital dollars" are stored on the user's hard drive and then can be used in a transaction with an on-line vendor who accepts eCash.
- E-cash is used in conjunction with the Mark Twain Bank to allow "authentication” of digital cash withdrawals from bank accounts.
- a software program enables storing the withdrawn digital cash on the PC's hard disk. This stored “cash” can then be transferred to a seller's machine. In this scheme, participants must set up a World Currency Access account provided by the Mark Twain Bank. First Virtual Holdings
- the customer opens an account and is given an Identification (ID) number which is sent to the vendor via e-mail.
- ID Identification
- the vendor forwards the e-mail to First Virtual to verify the customer's ID number.
- First Virtual then sends an e-mail message to the customer to verify the transaction.
- First Virtual performs the actual transfers over a private off-line network using Electronic Data Systems (EDS). NetBill
- NetBill is an alliance between Carnegie Mellon University and Visa designed to allow information to be bought and sold over the Internet. Customers deposit money into a NetBill account which is drawn upon by NetBill when purchases are made. Millicent
- Millicent offered by the Digital Equipment Corporation, is electronic "scrip" in the form of a signed message carrying a serial number and an expiration date.
- An authorized broker will buy Millicent scrip from one or more vendors at a volume discount and then sell it to customers, who will receive and then spend it using their modems.
- eCHARGE eCHARGE
- a user chooses a product at a web page where eCHARGE is available, free eCHARGE software automatically downloads and connects the customer's computer to a 1-900 number. Charges for the product later appear on the monthly local telephone bill. iBill
- customers can bill one-time charges with iBill's Web900 service for access and services directly to their phone bill.
- the Web900 instruction page at the vendors web site tells customers how to dial an appropriate iBill 900 telephone number to pay for their purchase.
- iBill's automated voice system reads out a series of numbers. The customer then returns to the vendors site and enters these numbers in order to redeem their purchase.
- the above described systems do not present their on-line spending services in physical form at a trusted off-line environment such as retail stores, vending machines, check cashing locations, grocery stores, gas stations, etc. These systems are presented on-line assuming that their users are Internet and electronically savvy enough to trust and use payment schemes for which they do not directly pay for in the off-line world. More specifically, customers who use these systems witness billing in an electronic form and are thus removed from the traditional trusted "cash out of hand" transaction that is simpler to follow, and more prevalent in the present day culture.
- Another object of this invention is to bring to consumers the ability to effect a transaction on the Internet without the need for special software (other than a standard web browser), special hardware, credit cards, bank accounts, home telephone, email address, personal bills (such as a telephone or ISP bill), or a billing address.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide consumers and vendors with a simple method of billing which is still secure and anonymous.
- Another object of the present invention is a transaction method which can be used by a large number of existing and potential Internet consumers without requiring any changes to their current PC setup or changes to the way in which consumers customarily behave and conduct business transactions.
- Figure 1A is a block diagram representation of a brokered anonymous Internet payment system according to the present invention.
- Figure IB depicts a more detailed diagram of various computers depicted in Figure 1A;
- FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are exemplary account cards consistent with the principles of the present invention.
- Figure 3 depicts an account opening method using a card display stand consistent with the principles of the present invention
- Figure 4 depicts an account opening method where the consumer interacts directly with the cashier consistent with the principles of the present invention
- Figure 5 depicts an account opening method using a automatic kiosk or ATM machine consistent with the principles of the present invention
- Figure 6 depicts an account opening method using a device to access the Internet consistent with the principles of the present invention
- Figure 7 depicts an account opening method using a telephone consistent with the principles of the present invention
- Figure 8 is a flowchart of a routine for activating an open account consistent with the principles of the present invention.
- Figure 9 is a flowchart of a routine for purchasing goods or services over a network using an account consistent with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG 10 is a flowchart of the account opening process according to the method of Figure 3;
- FIG 11 is a flowchart of the account opening process according to the method of Figure 4.
- Figure 12 is the flowchart of the account opening process according to the method of Figure 5.
- Systems consistent with the present invention provide a financial transaction system that enables consumers to spend online anonymously.
- Using an off-line distribution of prepaid on-line purchasing account numbers connected to an on-line brokerage house consumers can purchase items without providing their personal financial information, thus revealing their identity.
- the financial transaction system enables consumers to effect transactions on the Internet without any special software other than a standard Web browser or hardware to verify the transaction. Consumers can purchase items from various vendors in a secure manner without requiring any changes to their computer or changes to the way in which the consumers customarily behave and conduct business transactions.
- Figure 1 A depicts a financial transaction system 100 suitable for practicing methods and systems consistent with the present invention.
- a plurality of consumers, vendors, and account opening points are all connected to a central broker computer 10.
- Financial transaction system 100 has been simplified to show only one consumer 22, one vendor 14, and one account opening location 20.
- the boxes in financial transaction system 100 represent the elements of the computer systems of the parties involved. Referred to hereafter as a computer, each box represents, for example, a system of computers that may perform many different functions.
- Figure IB depicts a more detailed diagram a computer 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, or 18, which contains a memory 120, a secondary storage device 130, a central processing unit (CPU) 140, an input device 150, a video display 160, and an output device 170.
- Memory 120 contains software system 122 that interacts with other computers. Although specific components and software of the computers are described, one skilled in the art will appreciate that they may contain additional or different components, systems, or programs.
- the account opening service's bank and computer 2 is, for example, the bank where the account opening service keeps their cash account and from which money is transferred to other banks utilizing an "interbank electronic funds transfer system."
- the broker's bank and computer 4 is the bank where the cash is held that is represented in the accounting system on broker computer 10.
- the vendor's bank and computer 6 is the place where the vendor keeps its cash account and where deposits for goods or services sold are deposited.
- broker computer 10 comprises an accounting software that maintains multiple consumer and vendor accounts, web server software, such as the APACHE (www.apache.org) web server software, for serving web pages over network 11 and/or 40, such as the Internet, a secure server software that can interact with consumer computer 18 or vendor computer 12 using any well-known encryption technique, such as the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technique and a software system that can link up to a banking network (e.g., a debit network or credit network), such as the Automatic Clearing House, for funds transfer between banks.
- Vendor computer 12 may contain web server software to send web pages to consumer computer system 18, an e-commerce server software capable of communicating with consumer computer 18 or broker computer 10 using any well-known encryption method.
- a vendor 14 uses vendor computer 12, for example, to sell goods or services to consumers over network 11.
- Card production facility 16 represents the production plant where the cards are produced in accordance with the first account opening method (described below).
- Consumer computer 18 comprises browser software that has the ability to access the Internet. This could be, for example, a standard web browser such at the Microsoft Explorer or Netscape Navigator but could also include any device that can access the Internet and interact with web servers in a secure fashion, such as a television top box, a hand held mobile device, a web enabled telephone).
- This could be, for example, a standard web browser such at the Microsoft Explorer or Netscape Navigator but could also include any device that can access the Internet and interact with web servers in a secure fashion, such as a television top box, a hand held mobile device, a web enabled telephone).
- Account opening point 20 may be, depending on account opening method, a cashier at a retail or convenience store, an ATM, or an automatic kiosk.
- a consumer 22 may be an on-line user who accesses the a network 11 at home, office, public library, or other point of access.
- FIGS 2 A, 2B and 2C depict an exemplary card 23 in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- Card 23 has front and back printed sides 21a and 21b as shown respectively in Figures 2A and 2B.
- the term "card” and “account” is used interchangeable throughout this specification.
- the front side of card 23 displays marketing images and text to attract the consumers attention.
- the front side may also display advertisements for on-line vendors that accept card 23 or retailers that distribute card 23.
- the card face value 24 is the cost to the consumer to purchase the card. This value equates to the opening balance on broker computer 10 for a corresponding account number 26.
- the back 21b of card 23 displays instructions on how to activate an account corresponding to card 23 after a purchase.
- An activation web site address 25 is the web site consumer 22 accesses to activate the account.
- Activation web site address 25 is specific to account number 26.
- Account number 26 represents the account on broker computer 10 which has a balance of card face value 24.
- a check number 27 is a number that represents how and where the account was opened.
- the number may be a batch number for a batch of preprinted cards 23 created at card production facility 16.
- the number may be the specific kiosk number where consumer 22 purchased card 23.
- the activation web site address 25, account number 26, and batch number 27 all correspond to each other on broker computer 10. This is a security feature that makes it difficult for someone to try and activate an account that they did not pay for.
- Another security feature is the blocking by a mechanism 28 of the numbers from view before purchase. This can be done in many different ways. One example would be to package card 23 so that back side 21b of the card was not visible until after the card was purchased and the packaging was removed. Another example as seen in Fig 2C would be to cover the important information on the cards with a scratch away material 28 that would be removed after the card was purchased.
- card 23 may also be printed on paper automatically either by a kiosk or by a terminal located at the cashier of a store. Additionally, card 23 may be a web page or email sent securely over network 11 to consumer computer 18, or face value 24, account activation web site 25, account number 26, and check number 27 could be read to consumer 22 over a telephone by a computer system in a recorded voice.
- cards may be preprinted at a card production facility 16 and printed cards 23 may be distributed to retail locations for sale to a consumer 22.
- a program may run that creates check number 27 and then creates multiple account numbers 26 associated with that check number 27. The new account number then becomes accounts on the broker accounting system. These accounts are then created with debit balances specified in the program. For example the program operator may decide that of the batch of accounts: 20% should be for $100, 50% should be for $20, and 30% should be for $10.
- the program associates with the account number 26 an account value (card face value 24) and an activation web site address 25 both of which is used for account creation and card production.
- Accounts are opened or created by a program as "dead" accounts, which means although the account has been created it cannot be used by a consumer until after the account is opened and an activation step has taken place.
- account numbers 26, their associated value (card face value 24), check number 27, activation web site address 25, and other production and distribution data is sent electronically from the broker computer 10 through a secure link 13 to card production facility 16 for card production.
- card production facility 16 plastic or paper cards 23 are produced that display account number 26, check number 27, activation web site address 25, and card face value 24.
- Card 23 also have some type of machine readable data strip (not shown) that stores account identifier 26, check number 27, and card denomination 24.
- cards 23 are packaged in such a way as to conceal from view, until the packaging is removed, account number 26, check number 27 and activation web site address 25.
- account number 26 One example of number concealment is shown in Figure 2C.
- the batch of cards, along with display materials, is then be sent to an account opening point 20, such as a retail sales location for sale to consumers.
- the account identifiers are shipped "dead” to the retailers, they have no value until they have been opened (by purchasing a card or other method) and then activated on-line (described below). This eliminates the possibility of account number theft by adding a timing element to account number 26. The accounts can only be activated after they are paid for.
- account opening refers to the exchange of currency (cash, credit card, check, etc.) for one account number 26, account activation web site address 25, and check number 27. Therefore, by purchasing a card 23 with this information printed on it, consumer 22 is considered to be opening an account on broker computer 10. Because the card displays all of the information to use an account, the term card and account are sometimes used interchangeably in this description.
- FIG 3 is a depiction of one exemplary account opening method.
- consumer 22 goes to account opening point 20, such as a retail location, where a card display stand 30 is located fully accessible to consumer 22.
- Stand 30 displays a choice of card face values 24. The face values could be, for example, $5 up to $100.
- consumer 22 takes a chosen card from the display to a cashier 34 for payment.
- Cashier 34 asks consumer 22 how the card will be paid for.
- Consumer 22 may pay with cash, check, credit card, debit card, etc. If consumer 22 pays in cash he gives cashier 34 an amount of cash equal to the face value of the card and that cash is inserted into register 36. If consumer 22 pays using credit, the credit card is first verified through a credit card verification system before the account opening step takes place.
- the point of purchase activation system terminal 38 is a device that can read the account information off of the card's bar code or magnetic strip and transmit account number 26, and other data, securely through a network 40 to broker computer 10. Only account number 26, date and time information, and store information is sent to broker computer 10. This is a security feature because if someone intercepted account number 26 they could not activate the account without other numbers 25 and 27 on card 23.
- An example of a point of purchase activation system terminal is the verification terminals from Verifone (www.verifone.com).
- broker computer 10 receives account number 26 from point of purchase activation system terminal 38 at account opening point 20, broker computer 10 sets the account to an open status. Accounts that have an open status are not used for purchases until they have been activated on-line by consumer 22. This is a security step to further cut down on the possibility of stolen account numbers. Data transmission is done illustratively in "an encrypted form when sent over network 40.
- Cards 23 is displayed in a retail location fully accessible to consumer 22.
- consumer 22 goes to a retail location and finds the card display (step 118).
- consumer 22 chooses a card 23 in the preferred denomination (denominations could, for example, range from $5 to $100) (step 120).
- Consumer 22 goes to the cashier and is asked how he/she would like to pay for card 23 (step 122).
- Consumer 22 may decide to pay in cash or credit (step 124). If cash is chosen, consumer 22 gives the cashier an amount of cash equal to the face value of the card (step 126) If consumer 22 pays using credit the credit card charge must first be verified (step 128).
- step 130 If the charge was accepted (step 130) or if consumer 22 paid with cash, card 23 is activated be cashier 34 (step 132). Otherwise, consumer 22 is asked for another form of payment (step 122).
- An example of cashier 34 activating the card may be swiping card 23 through a card reader at the point of sale terminal (cash register). Once cashier 34 swipes card 23, the card data is sent over a network to broker computer 10 and broker computer 10 activates the account, (step 134). Consumer 22 can now proceed to the second account activation step represented by step 136 (described below).
- the second method for opening an account does not involve a terminal (e.g., kiosk) or preprinted cards.
- consumer 22 opens an account at cashier 34 located in a convenience store.
- Figure 4 depicts an exemplary account opening method where consumer 22 goes to cashier 34 and tells cashier 34 to open an on-line cash account.
- Consumer 22 might call the account by it advertised name such as, for example, a "Coolcard" account.
- Cashier 34 asks consumer 22 how much they would like to use to open the account. These choices might be, for example, in $5 intervals up to a specific maximum amount.
- cashier 34 asks for payment in the form of, for example, cash or credit card.
- Cashier 34 opens the account by interacting with activation system terminal 38a (e.g., Verifone activation terminal). Using the number pad on activation system terminal 38a cashier 34 enters the opening amount and the payment type. If consumer 22 pays in cash, cashier 34 accepts the cash and deposits it in register 36 and inputs cash as the payment method on activation system terminal 38a. Activation system terminal 38a then sends a message through network 40 to broker computer 10 requesting account opening information (e.g., account number 26, a check number 27, an activation web site address 25) for account denomination 24 chosen by consumer 22. At this point broker computer 10 may create the account opening information and send it to activation system terminal 38a.
- account opening information e.g., account number 26, a check number 27, an activation web site address 25
- cashier 34 If consumer 22 chooses to pay with a credit, check card or other method, cashier 34 first verifies that the payment is valid through traditional verification methods. If payment method is deemed valid, cashier 34 goes through the above detailed process of requesting account opening information using activation system terminal 38a.
- the terminal 38a receives the account opening information through network 40, the terminal prints the account opening information for consumer 22 on, for example, paper, cardboard, or plastic.
- a security measure may be used, such as a PIN number entered secretly during the account opening process on activation system terminal 38a.
- Another example of security may be a printer that prints out the received account information accessible only to consumer 22.
- Still another example would be to use a special printer that prints the information and then conceals the printed information in some way until the consumer removes the concealment.
- an example of activation system terminal 38a would be the Verifone terminal, such as the Omni line or Tranz line that retailers uses to verify credit cards and debit cards.
- Cashier 34 tells cashier 34 to open an on-line cash account (step 138).
- Cashier 34 asks consumer 22 how much money they would like to use to open the account (step 140). This amount could be, for example, in $5 intervals up to a specific maximum amount.
- Cashier 34 starts the account opening process by entering the opening amount into a point of sale terminal (step 142).
- Cashier 34 may also ask consumer 22 for a preferred method of payment (step 144). If the consumer's decision is cash (step 146) consumer 22 gives cashier 34 an amount of cash equal to the account opening amount (step 148).
- Cashier 34 then inputs cash as the payment method on point of sale terminal 38a (step 150).
- step 146 cashier 34 may perform a credit charge verification (step 152). If the payment method is with a debit card, consumer 22 may be prompted to enter a pin number (step 154). The charge will be verified by the retailers verification service and if the charge is valid (step 156) point of sale terminal 38a sends to broker computer 10 the account opening information and broker computer 10 sends back the account identification data (step 158). Regardless of the method used to pay cashier 34, the account identifying information may be printed on paper or a plastic card for consumer 22 (Step 160). Consumer 22 can now proceed to the second account activation step represented by box 162 (described below). Account Opening Method 3
- the third method for opening an account uses an activation system terminal (kiosk).
- consumer 22 opens an account using a terminal 38b located, for example, in a convenience store.
- Figure 5 depicts an exemplary account opening method where consumer 22 goes to terminal 38b to open an account on broker computer 10.
- activation system terminal 38b is very similar to an ATM machine except that terminal 38b contains an opening for inserting currency into the machine as well as a system for reading and verifying the inserted currency.
- consumer 22 approaches terminal 38b and chooses between the options of. for example, withdrawing funds or opening an on-line account. For this invention consumer 22 chooses the option to open an account on broker computer 10.
- Terminal 38b then prompts consumer 22 for a payment method.
- the options may comprise cash, credit card, and checking account debit card. If consumer 22 chooses cash the consumer is asked to select an account opening amount. The choices may be dependant on what bills the machine may accept. The most likely choices are in multiples of $5. Once a choice is made terminal 38b prompts consumer 22 to insert an amount of cash equivalent to the chosen opening amount. The cash is read by terminal 38b for quantity and then counterfeit checked. In the case that the cash quantity is invalid or the currency is invalid, consumer 22 is asked to try again. If the cash is determined to be valid, terminal 38b sends a request over a network 40 to broker computer 10 for account opening information. Broker computer 10 assigns account opening information based upon the opening amount chosen by consumer 22 and sends that account information to terminal 38b through network 40.
- consumer 22 chooses credit or debit, the consumer is asked to select an opening amount. This opening amount is either shown as an option or manually entered by consumer 22. Consumer 22 then inserts a payment card into terminal 38b. Terminal 38b next prompts consumer 22 to enter the associated PIN number. This data is then sent through network 40 to a payment verification service. Once credit payment is verified, terminal 38b queries broker computer 10 for account opening information. Broker computer 10 assigns account opening information based upon the opening amount chosen by consumer 22 and sends that account opening information to the terminal 38b through network 40.
- terminal 38b may print a card 23 for consumer 22.
- the account opening information may include: 1) account number 26; 2) a kiosk identification number 27; 3) an activation web site address 25 ; 4) an account opening amount 24; 5) contact information for questions or problems; 6) marketing or advertising material 24.
- Account opening method 3 as described above is explained in a flowchart in Figure 12.
- consumer 22 approaches a terminal 38b and chooses between the function options (step 164).
- Consumer 22 next choose the option on terminal 38b for opening an account on broker computer 10 (step 166).
- Terminal 38b prompts consumer 22 for a payment method (step 168). If the consumer 22 chooses cash (step 170) terminal 38b then prompts consumer 22 to select an account opening amount (step 182). The choices could be dependant on what bills the machine is able to accept. Choices might be, for example, in multiples of $5.
- terminal 38b prompts consumer 22 to insert an amount of cash equivalent to the chosen opening amount and consumer 22 feeds that amount into the cash input device on terminal 38b (step 184).
- Terminal 38b then reads the cash for quantity and the counterfeit is checked. If the cash quantity is invalid or the currency is invalid (step 186), consumer 22 is asked to try again (step 188).
- step 172 If consumer 22 chooses credit (step 170), consumer 22 is asked to select an opening amount (step 172). This opening amount could be, for example, shown as an option or manually entered by consumer 22. Consumer 22 then inserts a payment card into terminal 38b (step 174). Terminal 38b prompts consumer 22 to enter the associated PIN number (Step 176). This data is then sent through a network for verification (step 178).
- step 180 If credit payment is invalid (step 180), or if consumer 22 does not retry (step 188), the process ends.
- terminal 38b sends a request to the broker computer for account identifying information (step 190).
- Broker computer 10 assigns account identifying information based upon the opening amount chosen by the consumer and send that account information to the kiosk.
- terminal 28b receives the account identifying information from broker computer 10 it prints a card 23 for consumer 22 (step 192).
- Figure 6 depicts consumer 22 interacting with broker computer 10 through a network 40.
- An example of this method may be a consumer 22 using a web browser software on activation station 38c (e.g., a web access device) having a connection to network 40.
- Consumer 22 may use the web browser to contact the host computer and fill out an on-line form to open the account using a credit card or other billing method as payment.
- the other billing method might be, for example, a telephone billing service that utilizes a 900 number such as Web900 or I-Bill.
- Figure 7 depicts a consumer 22 using terminal 38d in the form of a telephone to interact with broker computer 10 through network 40.
- Consumer 22 may interact with broker computer 10 using the keypad of the telephone to open an account.
- consumer 22 may use a credit card as a payment method and the account information may be read to consumer 22 by a machine in a recorded voice.
- cards 23 are produced at card production facility 16 and sent to account opening point 20 in a unopened or "dead" state as previously explained.
- account opening point 20 receives the batch of cards 23 an authorized employee activates the batch of cards 23 by interacting with broker computer 10 over, for example, a telephone or a computer attached to a network 40.
- the authorized employee transmits check digit 27, which is the same on all cards 23 in the batch, to broker computer 10.
- Broker computer 10 may then open all accounts in that batch.
- the authorized employee secures the newly open account cards 23 as they are now worth the face value printed on them and are as good as cash.
- consumer 22 may go to a display 30 to select a dummy card based on the card face value. Consumer 22 then takes this dummy card to cashier 34 and cashier 34 would exchange the dummy card for the actual, already opened, card 23 , with the same face value, that has been securely stored.
- Account number 26, activation web site 25, and check digit 27 is printed on card 23 that is securely stored. The consumer purchases securely stored card 23 and proceed to the activation step.
- broker computer 10 does not receive any information about consumer 22.
- the only information broker computer 10 needs to open an account is verification of payment of the opening amount at account opening point 20. If a consumer 22 pays in cash they are assured that they account is anonymous. If a consumer 22 pays with a credit card, the credit card data does not get to broker computer 10.
- Figure 1 depicts a plurality of banks 2 and 4 that are involved when a consumer 22 opens an account using opening method 1,2, or 3.
- the payment is accepted at account opening point 20 in cash, credit, or other form.
- Point of sale terminal computer 38, 38a as seen in Figures 3 and 4 at opening point 20 to keep track of the account payable to broker computer 10 and on a regular basis instruct retailer's bank 2 to pay, through an electronic funds transfer, the account payable to broker computer's bank 4. This could happen, for example, every day or every week.
- Broker computer 10 keeps records of accounts receivable based on account opening data received from account opening point 20. Using this information broker computer 10 performs a check to make sure that the account receivable matches the amount paid by the account opening point's (retailer's) bank 2. Alternatively, customer 22 may transfer money between existing accounts without depositing additional funds.
- FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of the steps performed when activating the account.
- the first step is for consumer 22 to use consumer computer 18 to access broker computer 10 over network 11 (step 70). Consumer 22 may enter activation web site address 25 into web browser on computer 18 and will be taken to that specific activation page on broker computer 10.
- consumer 22 enters account number 26 and check number 27 into the web page and sends it over network 11 to broker computer 10 (step 72).
- Broker computer 10 may then check the account against the account database (step 74).
- Broker computer 10 also checks to see if the account was properly opened (step 76) and, if it is not, a message may be sent with an error message to consumer computer 18 (step 78).
- broker computer 10 checks that the activation web site address 25, account number 26, and check number 27 all match what is stored in the account database for this specific account (step 80). If there is no match, broker computer 10 sends a message back to consumer computer 18 with an error message (step 82). If the information entered by consumer 22 passes all checks on broker computer 10, a form will be sent to consumer computer 18 from broker computer 10 prompting consumer 22 to enter a password for account (step 84). Consumer 22 then creates a password and sends it to broker computer 10 (step 86). Broker computer 10 receives the password and stores it on the account record in its database. Broker computer 10 then sends a message to consumer computer 18 that the account has been activated (step 88). Consumer 10 may now proceed to the purchase process as seen in Figure 9.
- a consumer 10 may use a numerical keypad of a telephone to dial a special toll free number on the card and interact with broker computer 10. Making Purchases
- FIG 9 is a flowchart depicting the method of purchasing items.
- consumer 22 finds a product or service he/she wishes to purchase (step 92) from an on-line vendor 14, consumer 22 accesses that vendor's computer 12 and requests a secure web page for exchanging transaction information (step 94). This web page may be served by a vendor computer 12 web server.
- consumer 22 is given several choices of payment methods and may choose to pay using the account on broker computer 10 (step 96).
- consumer computer 18 is sent a secure form from the vendor's web server, a component of vendor computer 12 with a field for a consumer 22 account number 26 and password (step 100). Consumer 22 then enters account number 26 and password and sends the entered data over network 11 to vendor computer 12 using a standard encryption method. Vendor computer 12 may accept the transaction data from consumer computer 22 and appends to it, for example, the vendor account number, password, and transaction total (step 102). This data is then encrypted (e.g., SSL) and sent to broker computer 10 as a request for a transaction. In addition, the consumer may encrypt the data such that the vendor cannot decrypt the data but can only append additional encrypted data to send to broker computer 10.
- SSL Secure Sockets Layer
- broker computer 10 accepts and decrypts the data from vendor computer 12 (step 104), broker computer 10 verifies the vendor's account identification and consumer's account identification (step 106). Then broker computer 10 checks the account balance of account number 26 (step 108). If the balance in the consumer's account exceeds the purchase total and the consumer and vendor identification were verified, a transaction occurs (step 112). The purchase price is debited from the consumer's account represented by account number 26 and the purchase price minus a transaction fee is credited to the vendor's account on broker computer 10. The transaction fee will be credited to the fee account on broker computer 10. Broker computer 10 also sends back to vendor computer 12 an encrypted verification of a successful transaction as well as the full transaction details (step 114).
- vendor computer 12 accepts and decrypts the communication from broker computer 10 and sends a verification to consumer computer 22 (step 116).
- vendor 14 can send the product to consumer 18 either over the network (e.g. online music), or through some type of physical shipping method.
- broker computer 10 determines the account information from consumer 22 to be invalid (step 106)
- broker computer 10 sends a message back to vendor computer 12 indicating the problem and requesting that consumer 18 reenter the numbers (step 108).
- Vendor computer 12 may also forward the message to consumer computer 18 (step 110).
- vendor computer 12 may give broker computer 10 permission to directly interact with consumer computer 18 through network 11. After consumer 22 has chosen a product to purchase and is ready to pay, vendor computer 12 may send a message to broker computer 10 with the vendor identification and the purchase price. Broker computer 10 then interacts directly with consumer computer 18 and queries consumer 22 for account number 26 and password.
- Security is a significant aspect of this invention. Having a secure system where it is next to impossible for accounts to be used without payment will allow the service company to charge lower prices for the service. The time when the account is opened is when there is the most risk for accounts being stolen. In order to prevent theft of the account number or other misuse of debit accounts safety procedures which should effectively discourage such misuse are included in this inventions:
- account numbers 26 will be hidden from view until after the card was purchased and consumer 22 removes the account number from it's cover 28 as shown in Figure 2C.
- systems consistent with the present invention overcome the shortcomings of existing financial transactional systems by providing users the ability to spend on-line easily, safely, anonymously, in small or large increments with no personal attachment to Internet service providers, billing, credit card, or banking institutions.
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- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU46902/00A AU4690200A (en) | 1999-05-04 | 2000-05-03 | Anonymous on-line payment system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13238599P | 1999-05-04 | 1999-05-04 | |
US60/132,385 | 1999-05-04 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2000067178A2 true WO2000067178A2 (en) | 2000-11-09 |
WO2000067178A8 WO2000067178A8 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
Family
ID=22453792
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/011854 WO2000067178A2 (en) | 1999-05-04 | 2000-05-03 | Anonymous on-line payment system and method |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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AU (1) | AU4690200A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000067178A2 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2002008996A1 (en) * | 2000-07-24 | 2002-01-31 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | Method and system for facilitating the anonymous purchase of goods and services from an e-commerce website |
EP1237130A1 (en) * | 2000-11-21 | 2002-09-04 | Wolfgang Zint | Method for conducting a cashless transaction |
WO2002097750A1 (en) * | 2001-05-31 | 2002-12-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Micropayment system |
WO2002097685A1 (en) * | 2001-05-31 | 2002-12-05 | Portalify Oy | Methods and systems in a data communication network for delivering and charging for services |
WO2003025806A1 (en) * | 2001-09-20 | 2003-03-27 | Marc Georges Warin | Internet payment and security system |
WO2003036529A1 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2003-05-01 | Portalify Oy | Method and telecommunication network for delivering and charging for services |
GB2381928A (en) * | 2001-11-05 | 2003-05-14 | Domain Direct Ltd | Payment apparatus for crediting an account |
WO2005031625A1 (en) * | 2003-09-29 | 2005-04-07 | Tapsell, Yvonne, Erima | Public key crytography method and system |
WO2004047079A3 (en) * | 2002-11-18 | 2006-06-15 | Dharam Pal | An on-line payment method |
US7577598B2 (en) | 2001-05-01 | 2009-08-18 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Account opening facilitation system, method and computer program product |
SG160188A1 (en) * | 2000-12-29 | 2010-04-29 | Intel Corp | Anonymous electronic transactions |
-
2000
- 2000-05-03 AU AU46902/00A patent/AU4690200A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-05-03 WO PCT/US2000/011854 patent/WO2000067178A2/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
No Search * |
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7461030B2 (en) | 2000-07-24 | 2008-12-02 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | System for anonymous purchase of goods by providing a plurality of non-activated account numbers |
US7496542B2 (en) | 2000-07-24 | 2009-02-24 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | Method for anonymous purchase of goods via an ecommerce website |
US7496541B2 (en) | 2000-07-24 | 2009-02-24 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | System for anonymous purchase of goods by providing a plurality of active account numbers |
WO2002008996A1 (en) * | 2000-07-24 | 2002-01-31 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | Method and system for facilitating the anonymous purchase of goods and services from an e-commerce website |
US7469233B2 (en) | 2000-07-24 | 2008-12-23 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | Method and system for facilitating the anonymous purchase of goods and services from an e-commerce website |
US7509293B2 (en) | 2000-07-24 | 2009-03-24 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | Method for anonymous purchase of goods by not providing identifying information to a non-host entity |
EP1237130A1 (en) * | 2000-11-21 | 2002-09-04 | Wolfgang Zint | Method for conducting a cashless transaction |
US8417216B2 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2013-04-09 | Intel Corporation | Anonymous electronic transactions |
SG160188A1 (en) * | 2000-12-29 | 2010-04-29 | Intel Corp | Anonymous electronic transactions |
US10032211B2 (en) | 2000-12-29 | 2018-07-24 | Intel Corporation | Anonymous electronic transactions |
US7577598B2 (en) | 2001-05-01 | 2009-08-18 | United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. | Account opening facilitation system, method and computer program product |
WO2002097685A1 (en) * | 2001-05-31 | 2002-12-05 | Portalify Oy | Methods and systems in a data communication network for delivering and charging for services |
WO2002097750A1 (en) * | 2001-05-31 | 2002-12-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Micropayment system |
WO2003025806A1 (en) * | 2001-09-20 | 2003-03-27 | Marc Georges Warin | Internet payment and security system |
WO2003036529A1 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2003-05-01 | Portalify Oy | Method and telecommunication network for delivering and charging for services |
GB2381928A (en) * | 2001-11-05 | 2003-05-14 | Domain Direct Ltd | Payment apparatus for crediting an account |
WO2004047079A3 (en) * | 2002-11-18 | 2006-06-15 | Dharam Pal | An on-line payment method |
WO2005031625A1 (en) * | 2003-09-29 | 2005-04-07 | Tapsell, Yvonne, Erima | Public key crytography method and system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2000067178A8 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
AU4690200A (en) | 2000-11-17 |
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