WO2003054820A2

WO2003054820A2 - Method for loading electronic means of payment controlled by a mobile telephone

Info

Publication number: WO2003054820A2
Application number: PCT/HU2002/000154
Authority: WO
Inventors: René MOLNÁR
Original assignee: Molnar Rene
Priority date: 2001-12-20
Filing date: 2002-12-20
Publication date: 2003-07-03
Also published as: HUP0105390A2; WO2003054820A3; EP1537545A2; HU0105390D0; AU2002353248A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for loading electronic means of payment controlled by a mobile telephone and handling money circulation by a mobile telephone, preferably for executing financial transactions, during which without physical use of a bank card or a credit card electronic instructions and commands from a mobile telephone are given for transferring money to another means of payment, for example to a phone-card which is used or paid with. During the method according to the invention instructions are given for a central computer with database management system using a mobile telephone as a multifunctional input-output peripheral device, as well as voice and text information are received, which is characterized by that, the central computer with database management system is a unit located in a mobile telephone central, or a distant computer having connection with a central computer with database management system and forwarding system in a way known in itself, preferably through a data link, and during the method following data are beforehand or at starting transaction or during transaction given for the central computer with database management system, source of financial transaction or loading, in given case owner's bank account, number of credit card, target of loading, which can be in given case a definite pre-paid card the amount should be transferred to, furthermore an amount, which is moved from the source to the target during loading, which in given case can be determined by the system administrator, or the user, and the starting of the transaction takes place by calling a given telephone number or by sending any text or data message to a given phone number, furthermore loading follows an instruction given resulting from the call or from the call and data sending during communication with the central computer.

Description

Method for loading electronic means of payment controlled by a mobile telephone

The invention relates to a method for loading electronic means of payment controlled by a mobile telephone and handling money circulation by a mobile telephone, preferably for executing financial transactions, during which without physical use of a bank card or a credit card electronic instructions and commands from a mobile telephone are given for transferring money to another means of payment, for example to a phone-card which is used or paid with.

Nowadays mobile telephones are becoming a more and more integral part of our everyday life, accompanying us everywhere as the most familiar articles for personal use. The mobile telephone, as a device for data input and visualizing data is getting a bigger and bigger role and is becoming indispensible during our daily life. In a similar way mobile phones are more and more involved in traditional trade and financial affairs. When organizing shopping and services the direct use of mobile phones is more and more wide-spread, where beside sending voice and text messages, which can already be considered conventional, sending data directly by digital transmission and one-way or two-way data communication is becoming more and more highlighted.

Nowadays paying by credit cards at petrol stations, during shopping, making use of various services, for example telephone, parking, renting a car, laundry, is widely spread. The big disadvantage of this payment method is that, that the credit card ensures payment possibility up to a given credit line and if it runs out, then it must be loaded anew, or a new credit card must be bought. In both cases generally it is necessary to arrange things personally, which can often take a long time and which can be inconvenient, because for example the given card can be loaded or a new card can be bought only at the card provider or at one of their distributors .

WO 97/45814 PCT international patent application published on 4 December 1997 makes known various solutions for controlling loading of vending machines by mobile telephones in the state of art. In one of these solutions the customer calls the vending machine selling for example bus tickets, or coffee or petrol, or calls the central, then chooses the goods with the buttons of the vending machine. Before the purchase the system checks whether the customer is entitled to the purchase, then the countervalue of the goods chosen on the vending machine is sent to the central and invoiced by the central.

Hungarian patent HU 218 405 makes known a card, that can be used for cash-free commercial transactions, the terminal and system belonging to it in the state of the art. The system suitable for executing the transaction involves a user card with data of the amount available for executing cash-free transactions, furthermore at least one device housing the card, then a device reading the data from the card, and a device increasing the amount available subject to the data, furthermore a controlling terminal, and a device collecting information regarding the cash-free financial transaction as well as a device executing the cash-free financial deal.

In case of systems formed for purchasing goods by cards or using services organizing transactions from a telephone, or in given case from a mobile phone at present it is only possible to get to know the balance account, modifying the amount of the account or executing other transactions, receiving instructions regarding amendments is not possible with these telephone- and in given case mobile phone systems.

When working out the solution according to the invention we aimed to find a solution for a method for loading electronic means of payment controlled by a mobile telephone and handling money circulation by a mobile telephone, preferably for executing financial transactions, during which without physical use of a bank card or a credit card electronical instructions and commands from a mobile telephone are given for transferring money to another means of payment, for example to a phone-card which is used or paid with.

When working out the solution, we realized, that in case we give the source from where the financial transaction, or loading takes place to a central data handling computer beforehand, or during the execution of the financial transaction, then the target where loading is made is also given, furthermore the amount, which is moved during the transaction from the source to the target, and initiating the transaction takes place by calling a given number or sending a text or data message to a given telephone number, furthermore loading takes place at the command of the central computer either at the same time with the call or resulting from the call or data dispatch during communication with the central computer, then the set aim can be achieved.

The invention is a method for loading electronic means of payment controlled by a mobile telephone and handling money circulation by a mobile telephone, preferably for executing financial transactions, during which instructions are given for a central computer with database management system using a mobile telephone as a multifunctional input-output peripheral device, as well as voice and text information are received, which is characterized by that, the central computer with database management system is a unit located in a mobile telephone central, or a distant computer having connection with a central computer with database management system and forwarding system in a way known in itself, preferably through a data link, and during the method following data are beforehand or at starting transaction or during transaction given for the central computer with database management system, source of financial transaction or loading, in given case owner's bank account, number of credit card, target of loading, which can be in given case a definite pre-paid card the amount should be transferred to, furthermore an amount, which is moved from the source to the target during loading, which in given case can be determined by the system administrator, or the user, and the starting of the transaction takes place by calling a given telephone number or by sending any text or data message to a given phone number, furthermore loading follows an instruction given resulting from the call or from the call and data sending during communication with the central computer

In a preferred application of the method according to the invention, a given transaction is rendered to a given telephone number defined and stored beforehand in the central computer by the following data: the given source, in given case the owner's bank account, number of credit card, the given target, which can be in given case a definite pre-paid card the amount should be transferred to, the given amount, which is determined beforehand by the system administrator, or the user for himself, or the amount which can be automatically received by the pre-paid card system, preferably in case of loading of fix amounts, and the transaction is automatically started and completed resulting from the call initiated from the mobile telephone to the given telephone number and loading of the amount takes place.

In another preferred application of the method according to the invention, the following data are defined and stored beforehand in the central computer handling the account: the given source, in given case the owner's bank account, number of credit card, the given target, which can be in given case a definite pre-paid card the amount should be transferred to, and which is confirmed by the user through the system, or the user sends it in the form of a message or code during the call or command initiating the transaction, and the transaction is executed in the value of this amount, during which the system either asks the user during the transaction, or the user gives the amount during initiating the transaction so, that it is sent in the form of a message or code and then this information goes through the system, and the transaction is executed accordingly in the value of said amount.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, the target of the transaction is defined by calling a given telephone number.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, the given source, in given case the owner's bank account, number of credit card, where the amount is transferred from, is defined in advance and stored for a given transaction in the central computer with data managing system, and the target and the amount is determined when initiating or during the transaction.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, the transaction is automatically executed resulting from initiating a call in a way, that when initiating the transaction the target and the amount of loading are given through a data set or text message sent out and identification of the user and a cover takes place automatically as well.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, the transaction is executed step by step resulting from the initiating of the call, during which a question is reached asked by the central resulting from sending out of a given telephone number or data set, then during a bi-directional communication two parameters are given in given case applying repeated identification, the target and the amount to be loaded, either by defming first the location of the amount to be loaded, and then heading for giving the amount itself, or in reverse, first the amount to be loaded is given, and then heading for the target.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, the user gives all the three factors of loading in the form of a message or a code at the time of initiating or during the transaction, during which the source is given, that is where the amount is loaded from, the amount itself is given, and the target where the given amount is to be loaded.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, execution of the transaction is automatic, and the parameters of the transaction are issued by the user when initiating the transaction by a message or data set.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, the execution of the transaction is partially automatic, or executed step by step, during which a question is reached resulting from sending out a given telephone number or data set, which is asked by the central, then during a bi-directional communication when repeated identification takes place in a certain command all three parameters, the source, the target and the amount to be loaded are given step by step.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, the source of payment for a given service or purchase of goods is for example a financial record of a service provider or a subcontractor, the amount in said record will be settled together with other service charges, e.g. telephone, or mobile telephone bill, together with it, or on a separate account.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, the whole process takes place automatically.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, during the transaction the user defines the amount by a separate command.

In a further preferred application of the method according to the invention, the place of debiting in arrears is the given source, and the target and amount are defined during the transaction.

A preferable application of the method according to the invention is set forth in the following examples and figure attached:

Figure 1 shows a system and various connecting alternatives as a preferable application of the method according to the invention. The center of the whole system is a VPT Virtual POS Terminal (MCM) which is known in itself, handling the following functions: Credit, credit-check, direct sale. The VPT Virtual POS Terminal handles furthermore the following outside peripherals: Black box, Printer, Data collector, keyboard, monitor, LCD display. VPT has a direct connection with the use on the one hand, and it has an indirect connection through the mobile telephone network. Direct connection can be established through L DA infrared communication channel, RF radio-frequency or other known method. Alternatives of communication between the user and the mobile telephone network: USSD, SMS, Voice call, or data call.

VPT Virtual POS Terminal is eventually a 'Point of Sale' in this system, which is virtual, because it is physically not near the user, but can reach them by a mobile phone. MCM is a Multi Communication Manager, which is able to carry out these transactions. This is a hardware provided with a target software program, a computer programmed according to the target. From the point of view of realizing the method according to the invention, these are actually existing hardware units known by themselves, which are used during the method. Eventually various realizing procedures are specified for these units how to operate, which movements to do.

Depending on the location of the electronic means of payment serving as source, connection to be established in the system for loading of the money can vary according to the following examples. Alternatives of various connecting methods are indicated by numbers in Figure 1.

Example 1:

Checking of the source within the network takes place through communication line 1. First the user gets into touch with the network. When initiating the connection, the user calls a number, which is commanded to a certain financial transaction in the VPT. During establishing the connection the system checks if the necessary source is available, and passes the approval to the VPT, resulting in the commencement of the financial transaction.

In the course of this it is possible, that an actual service and an actual price is linked to an actual number. The service can be a Target A or a Target B. In case of Target A credit is made to a definite subscriber's card, for example to a telephone card. In case of Target B the amount is credited in a vending machine, for example in a machine selling drinks, or parking meter, where the user can purchase up to the extent of the amount.

During the connection checking of the cover takes place in the center of the mobile network, that is it is checked whether the user has enough money for the amount to be loaded. If it is approved, the instruction to load the amount is forwarded to Target A or Target B by VPT, where the amount appears. Then VPT gives a feedback to the mobile system, that loading has been done. Example 2:

Checking of the source takes place through communication line 2 between the mobile network and VPT. The user initiates a call, or gives an command which is sent to the VPT with one of the ways already made known. The command gets to the HOST (source) computer database system, where the checking of the cover as described above takes place. In case there is cover, HOST gives permission for VPT to execute the transaction. Resulting from this VPT executes the transaction, that is it forwards the given amount to either Target A or Target B the way described previously. After having executed this, VPT gives a feedback to HOST, and also in given case to the user through the mobile telephone network.

Example 3 :

From the point of view of communication VPT is between the mobile network and the source. The transaction is executed on communication line 3. The user initiates a call, or gives a command, which is sent to VPT with any of the methods made known above. VPT asks for approval for executing the transaction from HOST computer base handling the source. In case of availability of the cover VPT executes the transaction and gives a feedback of the loading to HOST, or in given case also to the user.

Example 4:

In case of line 4 checking of the cover takes place inside VPT through line 4. The user initiates a call, or gives a command, which is sent to VPT with one of the methods already made known. This case database including users' covers is included in and handled by VPT. If the cover is available VPT executes the transaction towards Target A or Target B and in given case gives feedback about it to the user.

The user can get into touch directly with VPT through infrared transmission, or RF radio-frequency transmission. This case if handling of the cover is in the mobile network, then VPT communicates with the mobile network through line 1. If the necessary cover is available, VPT executes loading of the amount also toward Target A or Target B.

The possible ways of execution of the method according to the invention, the main principles of giving the necessary commands for the loading of money and execution of data control are as follows:

Identifications necessary for initiating the process:

-Personal data, name, PIN code, bank account number of the user.

These are either

- given through the keyboard of the mobile telephone, or

- sent by a short message, SMS, TJSSD, or

- stored on the mobile phone or somewhere in MCM (VPT), or

- central can identify them on basis of the caller's number, or

- directly the central keyboard, peripherals are used It is necessary for the transaction:

- Money stored and handled electronically, or

- Credit line handled electronically

It is necessary to be aware

- where the user takes from,

- where the user sends to,

- on what the user spends the amount loaded.

During the transaction:

- the user gives in or sends their data,

- or the system is aware what the user wants, (because it is prepared for one task only)

- or, if the system is multifunctional, then depending on what the purpose of the user is, buys something, or transfers.

During the method according to the invention loading of money takes place and not direct payment, that is the user eventually loads an amount from their for example credit card to another card, to a so-called pre-paid card, from which direct consumption is possible. When using the method according to the invention the money is in fact only posted somewhere else, but it is done by a mobile telephone. It is executed by a VPT Virtual Pos Terminal with the help of which money is posted from one electronic device to another. It is not necessary to use a separate terminal, no keyboard, card is used, but the keys of the mobile telephone, respectively use of voice and/or data messages ensures execution. For this purpose the so called MMI (Main Machine Interface) is especially suitable , which can join the mobile telephone from outside.

During the method according to the invention the execution of the transaction in given case is as follows:

- the telephone has an identification, e.g. its telephone number, which is linked with the user's personal data, for example credit card number, name.

- If the user makes a call to somebody with a normal call, then CLIP (Caller Line Identification Presentation) is sent to initiate a series of movements, or the execution of a task

- If the task now is a financial transaction, or loading of money, posting of money, then activities of minor importance take place in MCM, in the virtual POS terminal, more complicated tasks are executed in Remote Host, in the distant main center.

- for executing these tasks e.g. an additional identification may be necessary, when the system asks for a PLN code, or other identification code,

- if money is available, gives approval

- then the transaction is executed, resulting in the posting of the amount from the current account to the pre-paid card, - making use of the pre-paid card is well-known, this is the conventional telephone card, already in use, which is a number in case of mobile telephones, on basis of which calls are approved within a certain limit, up to a given amount.

This kind of pre-paid cards are already in use in cars, petrol stations, parking meters, laundries.

- According to various types of services there are several pre-paid card systems, these can be all handled, loaded by the system according to the invention, if they are connected with the system. Pre-paid cards are always linked to a certain service, are suitable for a single given service, for example parking, making phone calls, renting cars, fueling, doing the laundry. When applying the method according to the invention certain amounts are transferred from a credit card to a pre-paid card system, which are consumed with the pre-paid card.

The gist of the invention is, that this loading can be made from a mobile telephone, controlled by the mobile telephone, so the mobile telephone and the mobile telephone center is used for it as hardware, respectively it is realized with the help of the service of the mobile telephone system.

The transaction can be initiated in several ways from the user:

On the one hand by using the voice conversation channel of the mobile telephone:

- sending a CLIP- during a voice call

- SMS - sending of data, or text message - on basis of a CLIP + text

- USSD - the same as SMS, but technical execution is different

- CSD - data call (Circuit Switched Data)

- HSCSD - data call

On the other hand by using a parallel data channel beside the channel used for conversation:

- EDGE HSCD

- GPRS

- EDGE GPRS

- WCDMA (CDMA) - other frequencies - UMTS

SMS - stored technically in the center (for two days)

USSD - not stored in the center, addressee receives it directly

In case of SMS we always learn, if it got through, in case of USSD we can not be sure, if it gets through, that is it gets through only in case of an on-line connection, e.g. when ringing signal is sent.

Execution of data stream during method according to the invention:

- Call is initiated with the intention of loading money from a credit card, bank card, bank account to a pre-paid card

During this depending on the adjustment of the system several cases are possible: 1. We either call a certain number, which automatically initiates and executes the tasks, in certain cases asking for additional data, e.g. PLN code, identification code and everything is automatically executed.

2. Or the execution is not automatic, and then to initiate and execute the transaction it should be done step by step who does what and when, which data is sent when and where.

Initiating of the transaction: We either call a phone number, or send any text or data message. Executing this was has the following possibilities:

Case 1:

- transaction is initiated and executed automatically, which means, that the following data are linked to a phone number:

- a given source, e.g. one's own bank account, credit card number,

- a given target, - a definite given pre-paid card, where the amount is sent

- a given amount, - which is defined either by the system administrator, or the user themselves, or the system of the pre-paid card can automatically receive (loadings of fix amount).

This amount is stored:

1 in virtual POS terminal or MCM

2 or in HOST - in the central computer, in which the loading transaction eventually takes place, in case of automatic call- all three factors, source, target, amount - are defined beforehand, and - linked to a given phone number - it is known by the user and every partial unit, the call results in execution of the transaction, and it is ready!

Case 2:

- we know the source, e.g. one's own credit card

- we know the target, - a given pre-paid card During the transaction only the amount is to be fixed.

During the transaction it is either asked from the user, or the user defines the amount at the beginning of the transaction so, that it is sent in the form of a message or code. Then this information flows through the system and the transaction is executed accordingly in the value of the amount indicated. Here it is possible to define various targets by defining different telephone numbers.

Case 3 :

We know the source, but the target and the amount is defined at initiating the transaction or during the transaction. It can be executed

- automatically - that is so, that when initiating the transaction it is given by the data or text message where and what amount should be loaded (posted) - the identification is automatic, - non-automatically -step by step, here one gets to a question put by the central after having sent certain phone number and data series, and there is a communication to and from

- here we give either the direction and then go further and give the amount, or in reverse, the essence is, that during the communication two parameters, the target and the amount are defined in a certain command, in given case with several identifications.

Case 4:

All the three variables, determining factors must be given when initiating the transaction, or during the transaction.

- where the money comes from (the source) must be given,

- the amount of the money

- the target, where the money should be sent

In principle it can be automatic, which is given in a complete message when initiating the transaction, or in a series of data, or

-it can be partially automatic, or executed fully step by step, e.g. the telephone number linked with the given bank account is called (by this choosing what the source is) and from there partially, or fully automatically is defined where and how big amount should be transferred by the system. Abroad there is already a system, which is also available in Hungary, where additional numbers should be added after seven-digit mobile phone number. These additional numbers can indicate co-ordinates, which define the parameters of the given transaction.

Case 5

The source is known, e.g. a financial account, recorded with a service provider, or subcontractor, the amount of which will be settled together with other service charges, e.g. telephone, or mobile telephone bill, together with it, or on a separate account. This is a virtual source, a payment without limit where the deadline is the due date of the invoice.

- We know the target -purchase of a given service or goods

During the transaction the following cases can occur:

5.1 case: Here in one of the cases the whole process takes place automatically similarly to the case 1.

5.2 case: In the other case the user indicates the amount by a separate command in accordance with the case 2.

5.3 case: In a further case only the source, that is the place of a later debit is known and the target and the amount are given during the transaction in accordance with case 3.

It is either asked from the user during the transaction, or the user indicates the amount when initiating the transaction so, that it is sent in the form of a message or code. Then this information flows through the system and the transaction is executed in the value of this amount accordingly. Here different targets can be defined by different telephone numbers.

The essence and advantage of the invention is that, that loading of money can be done by a mobile telephone, controlled by the mobile phone-line, making use of the mobile telephone and mobile telephone central as hardware, respectively it is made possible through mobile telephone system service. This way loading of various cards (pre-paid cards) is much easier and more flexible.

Claims

1. Method for loading electronic means of payment controlled by a mobile telephone and handling money circulation by a mobile telephone, preferably for executing financial transactions, during which instructions are given for a central computer with database management system using a mobile telephone as a multifunctional input-output peripheral device, as well as voice and text information are received, characterized by that, the central computer with database management system is a unit located in a mobile telephone central, or a distant computer having connection with a central computer with database management system and forwarding system in a way known in itself, preferably through a data link, and during the method following data are beforehand or at starting transaction or during transaction given for the central computer with database management system:

- source of financial transaction or loading, in given case owner's bank account, number of credit card,

- target of loading, which can be in given case a definite pre-paid card the amount should be transferred to,

- furthermore an amount, which is moved from the source to the target during loading, which in given case can be determined by the system administrator, or the user, and the starting of the transaction takes place by calling a given telephone number or by sending any text or data message to a given phone number, furthermore loading follows an instruction given resulting from the call or from the call and data sending during communication with the central computer.

2. Method according to claim 1 characterized by that, a given transaction is rendered to a given telephone number defined and stored beforehand in the central computer by the following data:

- the given source, in given case the owner's bank account, number of credit card,

- the given target, which can be in given case a definite pre-paid card the amount should be transferred to,

- the given amount, which is determined beforehand by the system administrator, or the user for himself, or the amount which can be automatically received by the prepaid card system, preferably in case of loading of fix amounts, and the transaction is automatically started and completed resulting from the call initiated from the mobile telephone to the given telephone number and loading of the amount takes place.

3. Method according to claim 1 characterized by that, the following data are defined and stored beforehand in the central computer handling the account:

- the given target, which can be in given case a definite pre-paid card the amount should be transferred to, and which is confirmed by the user through the system, or the user sends it in the form of a message or code during the call or command initiating the transaction, and the transaction is executed in the value of this amount, during which the system either asks the user during the transaction, or the user gives the amount during initiating the transaction so, that it is sent in the form of a message or code and then this information goes through the system, and the transaction is executed accordingly in the value of said amount.

4. Method according to claim 3 characterized by that, the target of the transaction is defined by calling a given telephone number.

5. Method according to claim 1 characterized by that, the given source, in given case the owner's bank account, number of credit card, where the amount is transferred from, is defined in advance and stored for a given transaction in the central computer with data managing system, and

- the target and the amount is determined when initiating or during the transaction.

6. Method according to claim 5 characterized by that, the transaction is automatically executed resulting from initiating a call in a way, that when initiating the transaction the target and the amount of loading are given through a data set or text message sent out and identification of the user and a cover takes place automatically as well.

7. Method according to claim 5 characterized by that, the transaction is executed step by step resulting from the initiating of the call, during which a question is reached asked by the central resulting from sending out of a given telephone number or data set, then during a bi-directional communication two parameters are given in given case applying repeated identification, the target and the amount to be loaded,

- either by defining first the location of the amount to be loaded, and then heading for giving the amount itself,

- or in reverse, first the amount to be loaded is given, and then heading for the target.

8. Method according to claim 1 characterized by that, the user gives all the three factors of loading in the form of a message or a code at the time of initiating or during the transaction, during which

- the source is given, that is where the amount is loaded from,

- the amount itself is given,

- and the target where the given amount is to be loaded.

9. Method according to claim 8 characterized by that, execution of the transaction is automatic, and the parameters of the transaction are issued by the user when initiating the transaction by a message or data set.

10. Method according to claim 8 characterized by that, the execution of the transaction is partially automatic, or executed step by step, during which a question is reached resulting from sending out a given telephone number or data set, which is asked by the central, then during a bi-directional communication when repeated identification takes place in a certain command all three parameters, the source, the target and the amount to be loaded are given step by step.

11. Method according to any of claims 1 to 10 characterized by that, the source of payment for a given service or purchase of goods is for example a financial record of a service provider or a subcontractor, the amount in said record will be settled together with other service charges, e.g. telephone, or mobile telephone bill, together with it, or on a separate account.

12. Method according to claim 11 characterized by that, the whole process takes place automatically.

13. Method according to claim 11 characterized by that, during the transaction the user defines the amount by a separate command.

14. Method according to claim 11 characterized by that, the place of debiting in arrears is the given source, and the target and amount are defined during the transaction.