WO2013015749A1

WO2013015749A1 - Non-cash money transfer procedure using a payment code

Info

Publication number: WO2013015749A1
Application number: PCT/SI2012/000049
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marko JANEŽIČ
Original assignee: Janezic Marko
Priority date: 2011-07-25
Filing date: 2012-07-24
Publication date: 2013-01-31
Also published as: SI23818A

Abstract

The present invention reveals a procedure of non-cash transfer of monetary funds by means of a payment code, which includes procedure of payment code purchase, carried out by the user, and procedure of cashing in a payment code, carried out by the recipient of funds, whereby the purchase procedure and the cashing in procedure may be executed independently to each other by means of ATM machine, e-banking, telephone banking, POS terminal, at the bank counter and by means of an SMS/MMS messages. The user and the recipient must provide identification prior to the execution of the above procedures, using only a bank card and a suitable PIN number, bank account number and personal password, or a mobile telephone number, from which a request has been sent may serve for identification purpose.

Description

Non-cash money transfer procedure using a payment code Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of payment systems, more specifically, to the field of non-cash payment systems and procedures covering non-cash money transfers.

Background of the invention

The current technological advances include different well-known procedures allowing users to make non-cash electronic transfers of money from their bank account to the bank account of the recipient of the money.

Such electronic money transfer procedures can be operated using a phone, a computer, connected to the global computer network, a POS terminal, ATM machines, and similar devices.

In order for any of these procedures to be successful, certain conditions must be fulfilled. Any user of this system must hold a bank account; sign an agreement with a provider of the non-cash money transfer service (telephone banking, electronic banking) who supplies the former with all the necessary identification data, credentials and similar documents. Moreover, the user's account must have a sufficient balance.

Upon opening a bank account, the user must provide identification to the bank, as well as numerous other personal data such as the user's name, surname, date of birth, ID and tax number, home address, information on the user's education, employment data, and so forth.

Should the user wish to make transfers via SMS messages, he/she must provide the bank with his mobile telephone number.

Once the user opens a bank account and enters into an agreement with an electronic banking/telephone banking provider and when he/she ensures the bank account has sufficient balance, he/she can then start using all non-cash money transfer procedures available within the system. Prior to every use of the system, the user must provide identification in the form of a PIN number when making payments via a POS terminal or upon withdrawal of cash from an ATM machine. PIN numbers are used for identification of charge/credit card owners.

For the use of telephone banking service, the user must provide his bank account number and two randomly chosen characters of his personal password, which usually consists of no less than 8 alphanumeric characters.

During application of these procedures using a personal computer, the user must have internet access and a personal certificate, which can either be uploaded to a smart card or a USB key. The user must also provide additional identification by means of his personal PIN number. In the latter case, the user prepares payment orders on a computer, provides identification and exports them to a remote banking system.

There is also a system on the market, which allows the user who possesses a suitable random numbers generator to sign into the electronic banking system available online, identify him/herself with a personal password and access code provided by the random numbers generator. Such a code has a limited, relatively short life-span and can be used only once.

The common deficiency of all existing state-of-the-art systems lies in the fact that they do not enable remote money pay-outs nor non-cash payments, or they involve the requirement of filling in various forms, revealing personal data of the payer or the recipient, and the like.

Short description of the invention

The present invention provides a solution to the technical problem described above by introducing a system with a detailed description and commentary, including figures provided below.

This invention proposes the introduction of a center for processing and verification of payments, which allows the inclusion of natural and legal persons (users), all financial institutions, banks, post offices, payment agencies, as well as ATM machine systems, POS systems, electronic and telephone banking systems, credit and bank card systems, along with online shops and similar.

According to the present invention, the non-cash money transfer procedure encompasses purchasing a payment code and cashing it in. Both procedures require certain steps and are executable under certain conditions.

Explanation of certain terms and expressions

The term "value of available funds" means a sum of the user's bank balance and the available overdraft.

The term "user" refers to a person purchasing a payment code.

The term "recipient" refers to a person who cashes in the payment code they received from the user.

The term "to generate a payment code" means to generate a payment code using a random numbers generator.

Short description of attached figures:

The present invention is further with reference to the attached figures, showing the following:

Figure 1 : key areas of the present invention

Figure 2: payment code purchase - ATM machine

Figure 3 : cashing in a payment code - ATM machine

Figure 4: payment code purchase - POS terminal

Figure 5: cashing in a payment code - POS terminal

Figure 6: payment code purchase - electronic banking

Figure 7: cashing in a payment code - electronic banking

Figure 8: payment code purchase - telephone banking

Figure 9: cashing in a payment code - telephone banking

Figure 10: payment code purchase - bank branch

Figure 11 : cashing in a payment code - bank branch Figure 12: payment code purchase - SMS/MMS message

Figure 13: cashing in a payment code - SMS/MMS message

Detailed description of the invention

The advantage of the system according to the present is that the user as well as the recipient of the money do not need any other identification data (for example bank card and a PIN number) while the user does not need bank account details of the recipient.

Payment code purchase using an ATM machine

A user who wishes to make a remote money transfer only needs to approach an ATM machine, insert his bank card and provide identification using PI number, then chooses the "Purchase payment code" option on the screen and, finally confirms the manner in which his account should be charged, i.e.: "Direct debit" or "Cash deposit".

In case of a direct debit, the user types in any desired value X, which must not exceed the value of available funds Y in his bank account.

Should the user choose the "Cash deposit" option, the user inserts cash into the ATM machine and types in the desired value, which must not exceed the sum of available funds in his bank account prior to the deposit and deposited cash.

The ATM machine connects to the center for processing and verification of payments, which verifies the received data, generates a payment code and sends it to the ATM machine.

The ATM prints out the payment code and the user receives a receipt with payment code. In the preferred embodiment, a payment code consists of 16 numeric characters, divided in four groups of four characters. On the receipt received by the user, the payment code can either be printed out only as a set of numbers or also in the form of a bar code above the numbers, which allows for the code to be machine read.

In case the ATM does not have a printer installed, the machine offers the user different payment code sending options, i.e. via an SMS/MMS message or via an email message. The user then communicates the payment code to the recipient of the money. Cashing in a payment code using an ATM machine

In order to cash in a payment code, payment code recipient needs to approach an ATM machine, insert his bank card and provide identification by means of a PIN number, choose the "Enter payment code" option on the screen and using the keyboard enters the payment code.

The ATM establishes connection with the center for processing and verification of payments where the payment code is verified and a confirmation of its authenticity sent back to the ATM. The payment code can also be rejected in case it is incorrect.

A typical embodiment of the present invention allows the user to repeat the entry of the payment code in the event the first attempt turns out to be unsuccessful, yet after a third unsuccessful attempt, the ATM rejects the entry and interrupts the operation.

A correctly entered payment code enables the user to choose either the "Cash payout" or "Credit to account" option on the screen. On the basis of this choice, the ATM either pays out cash or credits the amount to the recipient's bank account.

Payment code purchase via a POS terminal

In order to purchase a payment code via a POS terminal, the user needs to approach a cash desk and tells the cashier that he/she wishes to buy a payment code as well as inform the cashier about the desired payment code value X. The user then has to insert his bank card into the POS terminal and provide identification via a PIN code. The POS terminal establishes connection with the center for processing and verification of payments where the sent data is verified. If all data is identified as correct, i.e. a correct PIN number and sufficient funds Y in the relevant bank account, the center for processing and verification of payments generates a payment code and sends it to the POS terminal by means of which the code is printed out. The cashier then hands out the receipt with the payment code to the user. The payment code is either printed out as a set of numbers or also as a bar code above the set of numbers.

Of course, it is possible to go through the same procedure using an automatic cash register the use of which is widely spread today and which allows the user to communicate with the machine via a screen.

Cashing in a payment code via a POS terminal

In order to cash in a payment code via a POS terminal, the user needs to approach a cash desk and tell the cashier that he/she wishes to cash in a payment code as well as inform the cashier about the desired payment code value X. The user then has to insert his bank card into the POS terminal and provide identification via a PIN code. The cashier operating the POS terminal chooses the option allowing the entry of the payment code and types it in. In case the payment code is available in the form of a bar code, the cashier only scans the bar code. The POS terminal then connects to the center for processing and verification of payments where all sent data is verified and confirmed. Finally, the center for processing and verification of payments either sends a payment code value to the cash register or rejects the payment code.

Should the recipient wish to cash in the full value of the payment code; e.g. if the purchase value is higher or equal to the payment code value, the cashier will take the payment code value into account while all additional amounts related to the purchase value shall be charged to the card which the recipient used for identification or any other bank card. The recipient may also settle the outstanding amount with cash.

If the user wishes to cash in the payment code only partially; e.g. in case the purchase value is lower than the payment code value, the cashier will choose the "partial payment code cash in" option provided by the POS terminal and enter the desired amount into the POS terminal, thus decreasing the payment code value. Upon entering the desired amount, the POS terminal connects to the center for processing and verification of payments where all sent data is processed. The payment code value is thus reduced while an adequate new value is communicated to the POS terminal. The recipient notes down the new payment code value and may cash it in again in the manner described above. The present invention also provides for an alternative option related to cashing in the payment code, namely, the possibility for the POS terminal to connect to the center for processing and verification of payments where the received data is processed and where a new payment code is generated. The said center then communicates the new payment code to the POS terminal where the code is printed out and handed to the user.

Payment code purchase via electronic banking

The user signs into the electronic banking portal and provides identification via his PIN number and then proceeds to choosing the "Purchase payment code" option on the screen. He/she then enters the desired value X, which must not exceed the funds available in his the bank account Y.

A connection is established between the e-banking portal and the center for processing and verification of payments, which verifies all received data, generates a payment code and communicates it to the portal.

The e-banking portal can either send the generated payment code to the user by making it appear directly on the screen thus allowing the user to print it out, it can send it to the user's mobile phone in the form of an SMS/MMS message, or in the form of an e-mail message.

Cashing in a payment code via electronic banking

The recipient signs into the e-banking portal and provides identification through his PIN number. He/she then chooses the "enter payment code" option on the screen and enters the payment code using a keyboard or, in case the payment code is provided in the form of a bar code, scans it.

The e-banking portal then establishes connection with the center for processing and verification of payments where the payment code is verified and a confirmation of its authenticity is sent back to the portal. The payment code can also be rejected in case it is incorrect.

If the payment code is identified as correct, the e-banking portal adjusts the user's bank account balance in accordance with the payment code value. Payment code purchase via telephone banking

The user calls the number of the chosen bank with which he/she signed an agreement on telephone banking services and provides identification by communicating to an operator his bank account number and two randomly chosen password characters. Upon successful identification, the user communicates to the operator the wish to purchase a payment code and names the desired value X, which must not exceed the value of available funds his bank account Y.

On the basis of the above request, the operator initiates connection with the center for processing and verification of payments, which verifies all received data, generates a payment code and communicates it to the bank. The operator can communicate the payment code to the user either via telephone or by sending it to the user's telephone in the form of an SMS/MMS message, or in the form of an e-mail message or via telefax.

Cashing in a payment code via telephone banking

The user calls a number of the chosen bank with which he/she signed an agreement on telephone banking services and provides identification by communicating to an operator his bank account number and two randomly chosen password characters. Upon successful identification, the user communicates to the operator the wish to cash in a payment code and provides payment code details.

On the basis of this request, the operator then establishes connection with the center for processing and verification of payments where the payment code is verified and a confirmation of its authenticity is sent back to the bank. The payment code can also be rejected in case it is incorrect.

In case the payment code is identified as correct, the bank proceeds to increase the recipient's bank account balance in accordance with the payment code value.

Payment code purchase at the bank counter

In order to purchase a payment code at the bank counter, the user needs to approach the bank counter, hand his bank card to the bank clerk and provide identification via his PIN number. Upon successful identification, the user proceeds to request a payment code purchase and names the desired value X, which must not exceed the value of available funds in the user's bank account Y.

On the basis of the above request, the bank clerk initiates connection with the center for processing and verification of payments, which verifies all received data, generates a payment code and communicates it to the bank.

The bank clerk then prints out the generated payment code and hands it to the user. Cashing in a payment code at the bank counter

In order to cash in a payment code at the bank counter, the user needs to approach the bank counter, hand his bank card to the bank clerk and provide identification via his PIN number. Upon successful identification, the user proceeds to express the wish to cash in a payment code and provides the bank clerk with the payment code in any available manner, as the payment code can either be printed out by an ATM machine as a receipt or it can come in a form of a digital picture saved in the mobile phone, in a form of telefax receipt, or handwritten on a piece of paper.

The bank clerk enters the received payment code into the bank system using a keyboard or scans it if the code is provided in a form of a bar code. On the basis of the above request, the operator then establishes connection with the center for processing and verification of payments where the payment code is verified and a confirmation of its authenticity is sent back to the bank. The payment code can also be rejected in case it is incorrect.

In case the payment code is identified as correct, the bank proceeds to increase the recipient's bank account balance in accordance with the payment code value. Payment code purchase via an SMS message

In order to purchase a payment code via an SMS message, the user needs to send a "Purchase payment code" SMS message to the bank's telephone number using his mobile phone, and also provide the desired value X. For example: "Purchase payment code 120.00 EUR".

This procedure concluded, the bank establishes connection with the center for processing and verification of payments where the telephone number from which the request was sent is verified and confirmed or rejected as incorrect.

If the telephone number is confirmed, the bank proceeds to verify the user's bank account balance and, should it be established that the balance Y is higher than the payment code value X. send the generated payment code to the user via a return SMS message.

In case the bank account balance Y is lower than the payment code value X, the user receives a return SMS message: "Requested amount is too high".

Cashing in a payment code via an SMS message

The recipient uses his mobile phone to send a "Cash in payment code" SMS message to the bank's telephone number along with the payment code xxx, e.g.: "Cash in payment code 1234 5678 9012 3456".

The bank proceeds to establish connection with the center for processing and verification of payments where the telephone number from which the request was sent is verified and confirmed or rejected as incorrect.

If the telephone number is identified as correct, the previously mentioned center verifies authenticity and payment code value, confirms it and communicates the payment code amount to the bank, or rejects it as incorrect.

In case the payment code is confirmed by the center, the bank credits the payment code amount to the user's bank account and returns a "Payment code cashed in" SMS message along with the relevant amount X, e.g.: "Payment code cashed in 120.00 EUR". The last two modes of practicing the invention feature a description of transactions done by means of an SMS message. Of cour se, the above mentioned transaction procedures can also be executed via an MMS message, which allow for the payment code to be provided in a numerical form or in a form of a bar code.

Transactions executed via mobile phones carry with them the risk of abuse, e.g. in case the user loses his mobile phone, or his SIM card, and in similar situations. Therefore and as an additional option available for this type of operations, the present invention provides a limit of the maximum code purchase amount and/or a limitation of the total number of all payment code purchased during a certain period.

For example: the highest payment code purchase amount when resorting to the SMS/MMS option is 120.00 EUR while the highest allowed sum total of all payment codes purchased during the current month is 350.00 EUR.

The user may choose the above option upon conclusion of a contract with the selected bank.

Furthermore, the payment code can vary in length and can also comprise of any set of alphanumeric characters. The preferential form of the payment code features a set of 16 alphanumeric characters, preferably numbers, divided into groups of four characters and shown as a record of numbers with a corresponding bar code above the numbers, which allows machine reading.

The present invention is described with embodiments and attached figures, which by no means limit the invention and serve only as examples of use and implementation of the invention.

Persons skilled in the art will immediately comprehend, that different modes of other ways Experts in the related field shall easily see that other ways of se and implementation of present invention are possible, which are however encompassed with present patent application.

Claims

1. Procedure of non-cash transfer of funds, characterized in that it consists of purchasing a payment code procedure and of cashing payment code procedure, where the payment code is a set of alphanumeric characters, preferably a set of 16 characters, divided into four groups of four characters generated by a random numbers generator provided in the center for processing and verification of payments.

2. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that the mentioned payment code purchase procedure includes the following steps:

user identification,

selection of "Purchase payment code" option,

entering of the payment code value X,

verification of available funds in user's bank account Y,

in case of sufficient funds, generation and print-out of payment code.

3. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that the said procedure cashing payment code procedure includes the following steps:

, - user identification,

selection of "cash in payment code" option,

entering of the payment code,

veri fication of payment code regularity,

in case the payment code is identified as regular, crediting of the payment code value to the recipient's account or cash payment.

4. Procedure according to claim 2, characterized in that the said step of verification of available funds in the user's bank account is carried out via the center for processing and verification of payments.

5. Procedure according to claim 3, characterized in that the said step of verification of payment code regularity is carried out via the center for processing and verification of payments.

6. Procedure according to claim 5, characterized in that the user cashes in the payment code partially, while the center for processing and verification of payment lowers the payment code value accordingly.

7. Procedure according to any previous claim, characterized in that the user may carry out the payment code purchase procedure and that the recipient may carry out the procedure of cashing in a payment code, independently to each other in any of the following manners:

at an ATM machine,

using e-banking,

using telephone banking,

at a POS terminal,

at a bank counter,

- using SMS or MMS message.

8. The procedure of identification of user or recipient in the purchase and/or cashing in a payment code procedure, according to any of previous claims, characterized in that the user or recipient respectively, depending on the manner in which a payment code is purchased or cashed in, need the following:

at an ATM machine, the recipient and the user only need a bank card and corresponding PIN, for identification,

using e-banking, the recipient and the user only need a suitable PIN number, for identification,

using telephone banking, the recipient and the user only need a bank account number and a personal password, for identification,

at a POS terminal, the recipient and the user only need a bank card and a suitable PIN, for identification.

- at the bank counter, the recipient and the user only need a bank card and a

suitable PIN, for identification

- using SMS or an MMS message, the recipient and the user only need a number of the mobile phone device, from which the request for purchase or cash in a payment code has been sent, for identification.