WO2004077369A1

WO2004077369A1 - Real time mobile telephony system and process for remote payment, credit granting transactions

Info

Publication number: WO2004077369A1
Application number: PCT/HU2004/000016
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Anderson; Said Berrahil; Nabil Osman
Original assignee: Steven Anderson; Said Berrahil; Nabil Osman
Priority date: 2003-02-26
Filing date: 2004-02-23
Publication date: 2004-09-10
Also published as: HUP0300496A2; HU0300496D0

Abstract

The invention is a real time mobile telephony system and process for remote payment, credit granting transactions between either a mobile user (A), as payer and a payee (B) having a POS-terminal (F) or between two mobile users (N, P), as a payer and receiver, respectively, wherein the mobile users (A, N, P) and the payees (B) are associated with the system which comprises mobile phone device (E, Q, R) and a core transaction system (C) which is in telecommunication with the mobile phone device (E, Q) of the payer during the transaction, and implements the transaction, and comprising a transaction server module (K), a data storage means (C1) and a transmission server (C2), wherein: the mobile user (A, N, P) is in communication with the transaction server module (K) by means of his mobile phone device (E, Q, R) identified by its phone number, the transaction server module (K) is a module dedicated for data base transactions, queries and financial transaction tasks; the data storage means (C1) and the transmission server (C2) are only accessible through the transaction server module (K), the transaction server module (K) comprising at least the following intelligent modules for data manipulation: a first, second and third validating means (Ka, Kb, Kc), a rejecting means (Kd), a confirming means (Ke), an authorization means (Kf), a transaction management means (Kg); and the data storage means (Cl) comprising a first sub-data storage means (C1 a) containing information about each associated mobile user (A, N, P), at least the telephon number, a safety criterion and the available credit limit, further comprising a second sub-data storage means (Cl b) containing information about each associated payee (B).

Description

REAL TIME MOBILE TELEPHONY SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR REMOTE PAYMENT, CREDIT GRANTING TRANSACTIONS

The system and process according to the invention is applicable to the electronic transactions related to businesses and means of payment and credit granting in the field of mobile telephones.

In prior art there are known systems and processes for remote payments by means of a mobile phone which are based on the use of a sale terminal and a mobile telephone in order to carry out the transactions. Such a system and process is known from the European patent application EPA-0940783. Furthermore, also other systems are known for example from the European patent application EPA-0785534, in which also payment is made by means of a mobile telephone, for which purpose the mobile telephone has to be modified for achieving safe transactions. Other systems are described in the

International patent applications WO96/13814 and WO97/45814 based on transmitting the number of the payer's bank account to a payment collector by means of a connection from the collector's mobile telephone to a bank. The systems above have the inconvenience that the user must inform an unknown person on his bank account number.

The European patent application EPA-0986275 refers to a process to carry out a transaction between a customer having a mobile telephone, and a seller. The customer and the seller are subscribed at a validation platform. In order to carry out the transaction, a contact and an agreement is established between the customer and the seller; then, the customer transmits a confirmation message including his/her identification. A copy of the purchase confirmation is automatically transmitted to the validation platform, from the customer or seller.

International patent application WO98/47116 refers to a payment system using a mobile phone. In this case the mobile user payer transmits information that identifies him, and information regarding the amount of the transaction and an identifier of the seller, to the transaction center. Another International patent application WO98/06214 refers to a system for alerting the holder of a credit card about fraudulent use thereof. The system detects the use the credit card and sends a warning to the mobile telephone of the holder of the card. In such a manner the holder can refuse the transaction.

The Hungarian patent application No. P0003043 with Spanish priorities refers to a system and a process for processing payments and transactions between mobile user payers and payees associated to a system. However, this system does not permit the security measures of double verification and double identification for both of the mobile phone user and the payee, further it is not designed to allow the control of the transaction by the payer.

None of the cited documents permits selection of a specifically suitable communication equipment, by selecting the suitable communication channel independently of the user's type of mobile telephone, in such a way that payment can be made and credits awarded and credit transaction confirmation to the payee received at the point of sale, by a plurality of types of transmission methods, which allow the payee to print and receive a message confirming the transaction, using a mobile phone. None of the cited documents allows for the granting of micro or other forms of credit for a pre-determined period of time, to mobile phone users associated to the system. None of the cited documents permits security measures such as double verification and double identification for both the mobile phone user and the payee. None of the cited documents is designed to allow the control of the transaction by the payer. This invention permits the payer to control the call flow and effectively by entering the transaction amount and authorizing the transaction. Simultaneously, this invention requires in certain cases the initiation of transaction from the payee hence allowing a supplementary validation measure. The system allows two ways of identification. One used by the mobile user via his/her telephone number and personal identification number (PIN) and the other at the point of sale (POS) terminal by the merchant pressing a pre-identified key. In addition the mobile user, for added security, will enter the seller's identification code allowing the system to cross reference of the simultaneous identifications. This system allows for seller's identification recognized by the displaying of a code which is placed in a conspicuous place at the point of sale.

The present invention has the purpose of solving the inconveniences of prior art by means of a system and a process, which allows the use of any mobile telephone as a means of payment by means of the granting of credit: in case of purchases in person, i.e. when the user goes directly to the store and to allow transactions between users, and all of this irrespective of the type of the user's mobile, phone and its company. The invention allows for the granting of credit to mobile phone users, associated to the system, without requiring prior credit history evaluation or association to any prior credit granting facilities, cards or other credit granting structures. After payment is made by the mobile user, his credit is re-established and continues in a revolving credit line form. The period of the credit is limited to the date of payment of his mobile telephone bill. Due to the design of the system, it is applicable for any other type of purchase, whereby the buyer signs a printed or electronic signature. Credits and payments are carried out in real time. The invention permits payment to be made from any type of mobile telephone, without the mobile telephone having to be modified which permits any user who has a mobile telephone to be associated to the system; and all of this without the use of either credit cards or prior bank history. For this purpose a transaction and credit and payment center, hereinafter referring to as a core transaction system, is provided. This core transaction system is composed with the different mobile communication capacities with the corresponding equipment and means for identifying the type of remote payment terminal POS, residing in the seller's location, and thus, allowing the core transaction system to transmit transaction receipts by a variety of transmission means. It should be emphasized that the invention also permits a purchase receipt to be obtained, and to be delivered to the point of sale via a variety of transmission methods.

The invention may be implemented in all countries having a mobile telephony network. The owner of the core transaction system will agree with the country's mobile telephone operators and financial institutions on the conditions of providing and operating the service, and payment will be carried out by means of any type of mobile telephone without the need of making variations thereof.

To achieve the aforementioned objects, the invention provides a system for processing payments and transactions and the granting of credit between mobile user payers and payees/receivers being associated to the system, using the mobile telephony network and this system. The system comprises a core transaction system that is controlled by a transaction server module. The following points highlight the various embodiments of the transaction server module:

- The transaction server module interconnected with a data storage means containing two sub-data storages wherein the first sub-data storage means contains information on each associated mobile user payer, said information comprising at least the mobile user telephone number, a pre-established authorization criterion for authorizing transactions that requires a payment from the associated mobile user payer's account as well as current available balance and credit limit of the mobile user payer. The second sub-data storage means contains information on each associated payee such as a retail establishment. Said information comprises at least the payee/seller's identification, and the characteristics of each payee's POS terminal. The transaction server module will communicate with the mobile phone device through telecommunication means detailed later in this document.

- Furthermore, the transaction server module comprises three validating means: o A first validating means for verifying whether a first message received through a telecommunication means, contains a mobile user telephone number of an associated mobile user payer. First validating means generates a first acceptance message, when said first validating means validates the subscription of the associated mobile user payer's telephone number to the system. o The second validating means for verifying in the data storage means, whether a safety parameter received through the telecommunication means, satisfies the safety criterion associated to the mobile user telephone number detected by the first validating means. Said second validating means generates a second acceptance message when it detects that the safety parameter satisfies the safety criterion associated to the mobile user telephone number; in practice the safety criteria is usually a Personal Identification Number (PIN), o A third validating means for verifying the identification and information code of an associated payee. The third validating means generates a third acceptance message upon detection and verification of the valid identification and information code of the associated payee.

- In addition, the transaction server module comprises an authorization means for authorizing the transaction management method on the basis of the authorization request, to process a deduction of the available credit limit in the associated mobile user payer's account and to process a corresponding credit in the associated payee's account as long as the first, second and third acceptance messages have been generated;

- a rejecting means for generating a rejection message when at least one of the acceptance messages has not been generated, and for transmitting the rejection message to the mobile user payer and/or the POS terminal; - a confirming means for generating at least a confirmation message when at least one of the acceptance messages has been generated and for transmitting said confirmation message to the mobile user payer and/or for selective transmission of the confirmation message to the POS terminal identified by the seller's identification code. The confirming means generates preferably two confirmations messages to both the payer and payee, when the first and second acceptance messages have been generated. Upon generation of the third acceptance message a selective transmission of the confirmation message will be transmitted to the mobile telephone identified by the mobile user telephone number in said first acceptance message, and to the point of sale payment terminal physically residing at the payee identified by the seller's identification in said third acceptance message. The second acceptance message generates an order to the telecommunication means, to transmit a message to said mobile telephone requesting the mobile user payer identified by the mobile user telephone number to transmit the safety parameter, i.e. PIN code. The second acceptance message generated by the second validating means may be further designed to generate an, order to the telecommunication means, to communicate with the mobile telephone identified by the mobile user telephone number detected by the first validating means, and to transmit a second confirmation message that confirms the generation of the second acceptance message, such that the mobile user payer receives a confirmation that the transaction has been authorized.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, after the second acceptance message generated by the second validating means generates a menu to the mobile user payer and after the mobile user payer has selected the payment transaction enabling the transaction server module to process the debit in the mobile user payer's account and to process the corresponding credit in the payee's account.

The third acceptance message accepted by the third validating means is a message received from the terminal POS. The third acceptance message generates an order to the telecommunication means to communicate with the telecommunication terminal identified by the identification and information code detected by the third validating means to transmit the third confirmation message.

The transaction server module has account management capabilities. The transaction server module controls at least an account of each payee and each payer contained in the data storage means. For each payer a debit is made, and, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transaction server module transmits said debit information to both the financial institution module and the telecommunication module server /Telco, i.e. Telecom Operator/. The telecommunication module server comprises a mobile user payers' databank wherein all debits made against each mobile user payer are stored, so as at the end of a predetermined period a balance will be formatted and forwarded to the telecom operator's billing system ^!so as to make all required final transactions from the account of each mobile user payer.

An additional advantage of the invention is that the billing system is not limited to the telecom operator. An additional partner owning a billing system such as a utility company can undertake the account of the mobile user and add it to its own billing system to the account of the mobile user. For instance, the total credit granting can be added to the mobile user utility bill, such as electricity, gas bill etc.

For each payee a credit is made, and n an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transaction server module transmits said credit information to the financial institution module.

The safety criterion associated to each mobile user telephone number and known to the mobile user, as payer, identified by the mobile user telephone number, is a secret identification code, such as an alphanumeric code, for example a PIN code, stored in the first sub-data storage means. In this case, the second identification means are designed to verify, in a manner known per se, if a safety parameter received from a mobile phone device of a mobile user payer involved in a transaction, corresponds to said code, by means of direct verification of whether the safety parameter contains the secret identification code. The information may be used to calculate the value of a requested transaction and for transmitting to the associated mobile user payer's information total prices of transactions the authorization of which is being or could be or is to be processed, and to thereby request the mobile user payer's conformity. The second message generated by the mobile user triggers a menu of selection allowing for at least either balance checking or payment, upon the mobile phone payer choosing the selection payment, generating an order to transmit the total value corresponding to the transaction, together with an identification of the payee involved in the transaction to the transaction server module.

The system of the invention may be also adapted for enabling credit transfer transactions from one associated user to another, for which purpose the system may be designed in such a manner that the confirming means generates, when detecting the first and second acceptance messages, a first confirmation message containing an identification of the mobile user payer, an identification of the transaction and a petition for conformity to the payee/receiver identified in the first message. Said petition for conformity further comprises a request of transmission of the safety parameter which said confirmation message transmits to the mobile phone device of the payee i.e. receiver identified by the second mobile user telephone number through the telecommunication means selected by said selecting means.

The various elements presented above interact in such a manner; selectively receiving, through telecommunication means, in the core transaction system, a first message comprising the number of a mobile phone device of a mobile user payer and furthermore an identification code of a payee receiving the amount of a purchase in the payment and transaction center,

- verifying, by the first validating means, if the first message originates from a mobile user payer identified by a mobile user telephone; - checking in real time, in the first sub-data storage means, if the mobile user payer has an available micro and other forms of credit limit in a previously. created electronic wallet in said core transaction system; - requesting the mobile user payer identified in the first message and after having transmitted, in the second message, a safety parameter and the transaction condition is satisfied and there is a sufficient and available micro and other forms of credit limit for authorizing the transaction; - verifying, through the second validating means, in the first sub-data storage means, if the safety parameter introduced into and to the mobile phone device of the mobile user payer, satisfies a safety criterion univocally assigned to said mobile phone device;

- authorizing and carrying out the transaction as requested when the safety parameter satisfies the safety criterion; and

- sending a confirmation that the transaction has been carried out, to the mobile phone device of the mobile user payer and to the POS terminal of the payee;

- at the end of a predetermined period a balance is formatted and forwarded to the telecom operator's billing system so as to make all required final transactions from the account of each mobile user payer.

All these steps are usually common for the different embodiments of the invention and in the event that the buyer makes a purchase in person, in other words, directly at the point of sale, the buyer is the one who starts the transaction, and the identification of the buyer is done by means of the buyer calling the core transaction system implicitly transmitting its own mobile phone number. In this case the identification of the seller is done by the buyer entering the payee's identification code displayed at the point of sale along with the amount of the purchase. This communication is carried out by means of a connection between the buyer's mobile phone device and the core transaction system.

After having verified the identity of the buyer with the PIN code and of the seller, verifying that both have been subscribed to the core transaction system, the process of the invention comprises the step of transmitting, to the buyer's mobile phone device by means of a connection from the core transaction system, a confirmation request that he/she agrees with the collection order or requested transaction, that was carried out by means of the prior transmission of the amount of the purchase. Then the buyer confirms the collection order by means of entering and transmitting to the core transaction system his approval of the transaction by pressing a predetermined keypad number on his mobile phone device, wherein it is recorded.

In order to carry out the communication between the transaction server module and the seller's terminal which is preferably a point of sale terminal or a mobile phone device, it has been provided for that the process comprises a consultation step, on the part of the transaction server module, of the second sub-data storage means provided therein, the second sub-data storage means that contains the characteristics of each seller's POS terminal and from this consultation the proper POS terminal communication equipment is selected from among the following applications that are included in the core transaction system itself, namely in the transmission server: - Terminal POS application dedicated for communicating through analog

Public System Telephone Network to POS terminal. The communication is synchronous with 9600 bps. The application comprises a terminal management system dedicated for performing the parameterization of the terminals POS including phone numbers, terminal and seller's identification and functional options. The POS terminal application includes the ISO8583 protocol and the protocol handler.

- TCP/IP protocol application dedicated for communicating through UDP datagram between the application and the POS terminal as client server application. The server, the terminal POS application, will format and transmit through analog phone line the confirmation receipt to the client, and the POS terminal, identified by a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. Short Message Center (SMC), from which the Short Message Service (SMS) defined in the ETSI specifications 03.38, 03.40, 04.11 , 09.02, is permitted/carried out. By means of this system it is possible to exchange messages up to 160 characters between mobile telephones or between mobile telephones and applications. Common short message centers, as well as specifically designed message centers will be used for the present transaction and payment system in order to permit synchronous communication between mobile telephones and the core transaction system. Said centers will be used in all short message communications ended in a mobile telephone. Furthermore for a purchase in person, after verification, in the transaction server module, and after verification of the validity of the safety criterion, the process comprises a step of subtracting the amount of the transaction from the buyer's available credit line, and once the confirmation of the transaction has been made to the buyer, there is a step for up-dating the data of the transaction carried out, which leads to credit to the payees and debit to the buyers, in terms of the type of payment chosen. The post-payment has been defined by means of which the user of the service will be able to pay the amount of his purchases made during a pre-determined period as they have been entered in the user's available credit line and the total thereof will be billed in a pre-determined period in the current account.

Moreover, a voice recognition option may be offered to the mobile user payer for convenience hence enabling the mobile user payer to verbalize his choices instead of pressing keys on his mobile phone device.

Obviously, the operational arid technical characteristics as described hereinbefore in respect of the system are also applicable to the process of the present invention and vice-versa.

The invention will be hereafter described on the ground of drawings in which FIGURE 1 is a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, for making a purchase in person.

FIGURE 2 shows a functional block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, for a transaction between mobile users.

FIGURE 3 shows schematic representation of the terminal point of sale, describing the different components.

FIGURE 4 shows the transaction server module of a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention. A description is made hereinafter of the invention on the grounds of the above- cited figures.

FIGURE 1 illustrates the process for purchases in person, in other words the purchases wherein a mobile user A, as a payer, who in this case is a buyer, goes to the store of the payee B, who in this case is a seller in order to make the purchase. In order to make the purchase it is necessary for the payee B and the mobile user A to be subscribed to a core transaction system C, for which purpose each mobile user A is assigned a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that is related to the number of his/her mobile phone device E.

The system and the process for processing payments and transactions between mobile users A, N, P and payees B associated to the system, having a core transaction system C comprising:

- a data storage means C1 containing two sub-data storage means: the first sub-data storage means C1a contains information on each associated mobile

at least an authorization criterion for authorizing a transaction, the second sub- data storage means C1b contains an identification and information code of each payee B and the characteristics of each payee's B POS terminal F; - a transmission server C2 containing transmission or selecting means, such as a payment terminal application C2a, a GSM gateway application C2b, or a TCP/IP protocol application C2c, used to communicate with the point of sales or POS terminal F through a POS proxy H or directly depending on the selected means. > - The POS proxy H connects to the POS terminal F through the communication equipment module I.

- The media connector module G will communicate with the mobile phone device E.

- The voice application module J will handle the calls according to the defined call flows. The voice application module J separates the calls Step 1: In the purchase ir person the seller, i.e. payee B verbally communicates the amount to the buyer, i.e. payer who is the mobile user A.

Step 2: The mobile user A notes the seller's identification code D.

Step 3: The mobile user A by means of his mobile phone device E calls the Transfer and Payment Center the socalled core transaction system C using an admissible telephone number displayed at the seller. Step 3 is a logical step illustrating the link between the mobile user A and the core transaction system

C. The following step will describe the physical setup of the communication. In a logical step, a first validating means Ka is used to verify whether the phone number of the mobile user A is a phone number of a mobile user associated to the system.

Step 4: The mobile telephone call is received and treated by the media connector module G.

Step 5: The call is then transmitted from the media connector module G to the voice application module J.

Step 6: The voice application module J will treat the call by requesting his PIN code through the media connector module G.

Step 7: In this communication step, the media connector module G will request the identification, i.e. the PIN code of the buyer via the mobile phone device E. Step 8: The buyer will enter his PIN code in the mobile phone device E which will transmit the PIN code to the media connector module G.

Step 9: The PIN code will be transmitted by media connector module G to the voice application module J.

Step 10: The voice application module J will transmit the PIN code to the transaction server module K.

Step 11 : The transaction server module K, by making a database query, will check the validity of the Personal Identification Number (PIN) submitted by the payer A against the value stored in the first sub-data storage means C1a using the second validating means Kb. The core transaction system C has a data storage means C1 that includes a first sub-data storage means C1a which stores the data referring to the information on each mobile user A. Step 12: Upon a positive result of the second validating means Kb of the PIN code, the transaction server module K will send a selection menu request and a voice recognition option to the payer, via the voice application module J. The second validating means Kb will set the authorization means Kf to true. Step 13: The selection menu and the voice recognition option will be forwarded from the voice application module J to the media connector module G. Step 14: The selection menu and the voice recognition option will be transmitted from media connector module G to the mobile phone device E. Step 15: In this scenario, the mobile user A declines and ignores the voice recognition option. The voice recognition scenarion will be detailed later in the document. In this scenario, the payer selects the payment transaction option in the menu. The selection will be transmitted by the mobile phone device E to the media connector module G. Step 16: The media connector module G forwards the selection to the voice application module J.

Step 17: The voice application module J sends a request for a transaction amount and the seller's identification code D to the media connector module G. Step 18: The media connector module G forwards the request to the mobile phone device E. Step 19: The payer enters the transaction amount and the seller's identification

D in his mobile phone E, separated by a pre-defined key. The mobile phone E sends the transaction amount and seller's identification D to the media connector module G. Step 20: The media connector module G will forward the transaction amount and seller's identification code D to the voice application module J.

Step 21: The voice application module J will forward the transaction amount and seller's identification code D to the transaction server module K. Step 22: The transaction server module K will make a database query and check the transaction value against the available credit line of the mobile user A stored in the first sub-data storage means C1 a. Step 23: The transaction server module K will make a data base query and check the validity of the seller's identification code D stored in the second sub- data storage C1b using the third validating means Kc.

Step 24: Upon a positive result of the third validating means Kc of the seller's identification code D, the transaction server module K will send a confirmation request to the voice application module J using the confirming means Ke.

Step 25: The voice application module J will forward the confirmation request to the media connector module G.

Step 26: The media connector module G will forward the confirmation request to the mobile phone device E.

Step 27: The payer confirms the transaction by pressing a pre-defined button on the mobile phone device E. The mobile phone E will send the confirmation to the media connector module G.

Step 28: The media connector module G will forward the confirmation to the voice application module J.

Step 29: The voice application module J will forward the confirmation to the transaction server module K. Upon receipt of the confirmation message, the transaction management means Kg, located in the transaction server module

K, will check if the authorization means Kf value is set to true. Step 30: The transaction server module K will deduct the transaction amount from the buyers account balance stored in the first sub-data storage means

C1a using the transaction management means Kg.

Step 31 : The transaction server module K sends a termination communication message to the voice application module J. Step 32: The voice application module J forwards the termination communication message to the media connector module G. The call is terminated and cleared.

Step 33: The transaction server module K formats a transaction receipt containing the payer's mobile phone number, the seller's identification code D, payee's B name, the transaction value, the remaining balance and a confirmation number. Step 34: By means of this step, and concurrently with the previous steps, the seller will establish communication with the core transaction system C by pressing a predefined key on the POS terminal F and entering the buyer's first means of identification code, namely the mobile telephone number or a pre- determined alias.

Step 35: The POS terminal F will send a request to the communication equipment I.

Step 36: The communication equipment I will receive the request and the buyer's identification and the seller's identification code and transmit the information to the POS Proxy H which is a module responsible for the communication with the POS terminal and is able to send, receive and understand communication messages concerning the POS terminal. Step 37: The POS proxy H will forward the information to the voice application module J. Step 38: The voice application module J will forward the information to the transaction server module K.

Step 39: The transaction server module K makes a true connection between the two transmission means generated by the buyer and seller. Step 40: The transaction server module K will transmit a transaction receipt to the payment terminal application C2a located in the transmission server C2.

Step 41 : The payment terminal application C2a will reformat the transaction receipt according to the payment terminal protocol. The payment terminal application C2a in the transmission server C2 will then transmit the newly formatted transaction receipt to the transaction server module K. Step 42: The transaction server module K will transmit the receipt to the voice application module J. Step 43: The voice application module J will transmit the receipt to the POS proxy H. Step 44: The POS proxy H will transmit the receipt to the communication equipment I.

Step 45: The communication equipment I sends the receipt to the POS terminal F. The POS terminal F will print one payment slip comprising two copies of the transaction receipt. The buyer will sign the payment slip, keeping one copy for his records and the seller B keeping one copy for his records. Step 46: The transaction server module K will request the transmission of a transaction receipt to the payer via Short Message Service (SMS) using the GSM gateway application C2b in transmission server C2.

Step 47: The GSM gateway application 'C2b will send an SMS to the mobile phone E of the buyer which contains the transaction receipt. Step 48: The transaction server module K will transmit a copy of the transaction receipt to the financial institution module (FIM) L. Step 49: The transaction server module K will transmit a copy of the transaction receipt to the Telco communication module M.

Alternatively, other types of payment POS terminals F and other payment terminal technologies are to be supported. The first method of communication between the transaction server module K and payment terminal F is as previously described.

Second alternative is the transmission of the transaction receipt via Short

Message Service (SMS). The GSM gateway application C2b will transmit the transaction receipt to a second type of terminal POS F described in figure 3, which will receive the transmission receipt via SMS and automatically will print out one payment slip comprising two copies.

The third alternative is the transmission of the transaction receipt, via SMS, to the mobile phone of seller. In this case the mobile phone is the POS terminal F.

A fourth alternative is the transmission of a transaction receipt via TCP/IP protocol. The TCP/IP protocol application C2c will transmit the transaction receipt.

The third type of terminal payment will receive the transmission of the transaction receipt via Internet and automatically will print out one payment slip comprising two copies.

The transaction server module K has a rejecting means Kd, which when at least one of the acceptance messages has not been generated, it transmits a rejection message to the seller and/or to the buyer. If the payer enters an incorrect Personal Identification Number (PIN), the transaction module server K will generate a rejection message and request the payer to re-enter the PIN code. After three incorrect entries from the payer the transaction module server K will terminate the call.

If the payer enters an incorrect seller's identification code D, the transaction module server K will generate a rejection message and request the payer to re- enter the seller's identification code D. After three incorrect entries from the payer A the transaction module server K will terminate the call. If the payer enters a transaction amount over the remaining balance of his credit limit the transaction module server K will generate a rejection message and will request the payer to re-enter a valid amount.

If the payer is using an alternative telephone, unregistered in the first sub-data storage means C1a, the transaction module server K will generate a rejection message and request the payer to enter a valid registered mobile telephone number.

As indicated earlier, a voice recognition mechanism will be available to the mobile user payer. After entering his PIN as described in Step 12, the voice recognition option will be offered in the menu. The mobile user may choose between the communication means: voice means or key pressing means. If the user selects the voice recognition option, the voice application module J will record the choice and store the message for future verification if needed.

FIGURE 2 illustrates the process for credit transaction between two users N and P associated to the system, in other words wherein a first mobile user N, as a payer transfers a part or total, of his available credit limit to a second mobile phone user P, i.e. receiver. In order to make the transaction it is necessary for the mobile user N and the mobile user P to be subscribed to a core transaction system C, for which purpose both mobile user N and mobile user P are assigned a PIN code that is related to their respective mobile phone device Q and R numbers. Step 1 : In the credit transfer transaction, the mobile user P communicates the amount to mobile user N.

Step 2: The mobile user N notes the mobile user P phone number or alias.

Step 3: The mobile user N by means of his mobile phone device Q calls the core transaction system C using an admissible telephone number. Step 3 is a logical step illustrating the link between the mobile phone user N and the core transaction system C. The following step will describe the physical setup of the communication. In a logical step, a first validating means Ka is used to verify whether the phone number of the mobile user N is a phone number of a mobile user associated to the system.

Step 4: The mobile telephone call from mobile phone device Q is received and treated by the media connector module G.

Step 5: The call is then transmitted from the media connector module G to the voice application module J. Step 6: The voice application module J will treat the call by requesting the PIN code of the mobile user N through the media connector module G.

Step 7: In this communication step, the media connector module G will request the Personal Identification Number (PIN) of the mobile user N via the mobile phone device Q. Step 8: The mobile user N will enter his PIN code in the mobile phone Q which will transmit the PIN code to the media connector module G.

Moreover, the core transaction system C has a data storage means C1 that includes a first sub-data storage means C1a which stores the data referring to the first information on each mobile user N and P.

Step 11 : The transaction server module K, by making a database query, will check the validity of the Personal Identification Number (PIN) submitted by the mobile user N against the value stored in the first sub-data storage means C1a using the second validating means Kb. Step 12: Upon a positive result of the second validating means Kb of the Personal Identification Number (PIN), the transaction server module K will send a selection menu requests and a voice recognition option to the mobile user N, via the voice application module J. The second validating means Kb will set the authorization means Kf to true. >

Step 13: The selection menu and the voice recognition option will be forwarded from the voice application module J to the media connector module G. Step 14: The selection menu and the voice recognition option will be

I transmitted from media connector module G to the mobile phone device Q of the mobile user N.

Step 15: In this scenario, the mobile user A declines and ignores the voice recognition option. The mobile user N selects the credit transfer option in the menu. The selection will be transmitted by the mobile phone device Q to the media connector module G. Step 16: The media connector module G forwards the selection to the voice

I application module J.

Step 17: The voice application module J sends a request for a credit transfer amount and the mobile user P phone number or alias to the media connector module G. Step 18: The media connector module G forwards the request to the mobile phone device Q.

Step 19: The mobile user N enters the credit transfer amount and the mobile user P phone number or alias in his mobile phone Q, separated by a predefined key. The mobile phone Q sends the credit transfer amount and the mobile user P phone number or alias to the media connector module G.

Step 20: The media connector module G will forward credit transfer amount and the mobile user P phone number or alias to the voice application module J. Step 21 : The voice application module J will forward the credit transfer amount and the mobile user P phone number or alias to the transaction server module K. Step 22: The transaction server module K will make a database query and check the credit transfer value against the available credit line of the mobile user N stored in the first sub-data storage means C1a. Step 23: The transaction server module K will make a database query and check the validity of the mobile user P stored in the first sub-data storage

' I ^' i means C1 a.

Step 24: The transaction server module K will send a confirmation request to the voice application module J using the confirming means Ke.

Step 26: The media connector module G will forward the confirmation request to the mobile phone device Q.

Step 27: The mobile user N confirms the transaction by pressing a pre-defined button on the mobile phone device Q. The mobile phone Q will send the confirmation to the media connector module G.

Step 29: The voice application module J will forward the confirmation to the transaction server module K. Upon receipt of the confirmation message, the transaction management means Kg, located in the transaction server module K, will check if the authorization means Kf value is set to true.

Step 30: The transaction server module K will deduct the credit transfer from the mobile user N- account balance stored in the first sub-data storage means C1a and increase by the same amount the account balance of the mobile user

P stored in first sub-data storage means C1a using the transaction management means Kg.

Step 31: The transaction server module K sends a termination communication message to the voice application module J. Step 32: The voice application module J forwards the termination communication message to the media connector module G.

The call is terminated and cleared. Step 33: The transaction server module K formats a transaction receipt containing mobile user N phone number, the mobile user P name and telephone number, the credit transfer amount, the remaining available credit line and a confirmation number. Step 34: The transaction server module K will request the transmission of a transaction receipt to the mobile user N via Short Message Service (SMS) using the GSM gateway application C2b in transmission server C2. Step 35: The GSM gateway application C2b will send an SMS to the mobile phone Q of the mobile user N which contains the transaction receipt. Step 36: The transaction server module K formats a second transaction receipt containing mobile user P phone number, the mobile user N name and telephone number, the credit transfer amount, the new available credit limit and a confirmation number.

Step 37: The transaction server module¹ K will request the transmission of the second transaction receipt to the mobile user R via Short Message Service

(SMS) using the GSM gateway application in the transmission server C2b.

Step 38: The GSM gateway application C2b will send an SMS to the mobile phone R of the mobile user P which contains the transaction receipt.

Step 39: The transaction server module K will transmit a copy of the transaction receipts to the financial institution module L.

Step 40: The transaction server module K will transmit a copy of the transaction receipts to the Telco communication module M.

A physical device acting as a point of sale terminal is illustrated in Figure 3. The POS terminal comprises the following components or at least one of the following components:

- 3a is the Public System Telephone Network (PSTN) analogue access. It includes an RG11 socket providing the PSTN connection.

- 3b is the modem associated to the PSTN socket RG11 described above. Its function is to demodulate the confirmation receipt transmitted by the payment terminal application C2a. The modem speed is 9600 bps. - 3c is the power supply distributing the 12 volt power required to operate the device.

- 3d is the main board including the' Central Processing Unit (CPU) controlling all the modules in the terminal POS. - 3e is the memory module where end of day settlement activities are stored.

- 3f is a separate security module where all sensitive information is stored and not accessible via the memory module.

- 3h is the application module where the software necessary to communicate with the payment terminal application C2a. All application loads are stored in 3h.

- 3i is the printer module controlled by 3d, the main board. Its function is to print out the transaction receipt.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the transaction server module K comprising at least the following intelligent modules required for data manipulation:

- a first validating means Ka for verifying in the first sub-data storage means C1a whether a first message received through the telecommunication means Step (4) contains the telephone number of the associated mobile user payer A, N, said first validating means Ka generating a first acceptance message when they detect the mobile user telephone number;

- a second validating means Kb for verifying in the first sub-data storage means C1 a whether a safety parameter received through the

^• i ^■ , telecommunication means Step (8) satisfies the safety criterion associated to the mobile user telephone number detected by the first validating means Ka; - a third validating means Kc which is used to verify the identification and information code D of the associated payee B.

- an authorization means Kf for authorizing the transaction management on the basis of the authorization request, to process a deduction of the available credit limit in the associated mobile user payer's A, N account and to process a corresponding credit in the associated payee's B, P account as long as the first second and third acceptance messages have been generated; - a rejecting means Kd for generating a rejection message when at least one of the acceptance messages has not been generated, and for transmitting the rejection message to the mobile user payer A, N or the POS terminal F; a confirming means Ke for generating at least a confirmation message when at least one of the acceptance messages has been generated, and for transmitting said confirmation message to the mobile user payer A, N or for selective transmission of the confirmation message to the POS terminal F identified by the payee's (B) B, P identification and information code D;

- a transaction management means Kg which controls the account of each payer A, N contained in the first sub-data storage means C1 a and in which each credit is made, additionally, the transaction management means Kg controls the account of the associated payee P, contained in the second sub- data storage means C1b and in which each credit is made.

The voice application module J and the media connector module G responsibilities will depend on the physical devices chosen by the system, and depending on the voice application module J functionality, calls from the mobile phone device E, Q can be routed directly to the voice application module J hence bypassing the media connector module G. In another configuration, the media connector module G can be responsible for all bi-directional

I I ⁱ I communications on various media channels, with additional gateway equipment.

Claims

1. A real time mobile telephony system for remote payment, credit granting transactions either between a mobile user (A), as a payer and a payee

(B) having a POS-termiria! (F) or between two mobile users (N, P), as a payer and a receiver, respectively, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the mobile users (A, N, P) and the payees (B) are associated with the system where the system comprises mobile phone device (E, Q, R), a core transaction system (C) which is in telecommunication with the mobile phone device (E, Q, R) of the payer during the transaction, and implements the transaction, and comprising a transaction server module (K), a data storage means (C1) and a transmission server (C2), the system further comprising means for the communication between the transaction server module (K) and the mobile phone device (E, Q, R) wherein:

- the transaction server module (K) is a module dedicated for data base transactions, queries and financial transaction tasks; the data storage means (C1) and the transmission server (C2) are only accessible through the transaction server module (K), the transaction server module (K) comprising at least the following intelligent modules for data manipulation:

• a first validating means (Ka) which is used to verify whether a first message received through a telecommunication method /phone call/ contains a mobile user telephone number of an associated mobile user (A, N),

• a second validating means (Kb) which is used to verify whether a safety parameter received through the telecommunication method (phone call) satisfies the safety criterion associated with the telephone number of the mobile user (A, N),

• a third validating means (Kc) which is used to verify the identification and information code of the associated payee (B), • a rejecting means (Kd) which is used to generate a rejection message when one of the verifying conditions is not satisfied, • a confirming means (Ke) which is used to generate a confirmation that a transaction has been carried out,

• an authorization means (Kf) which is used to authorize the transaction as requested when the safety parameters satisfies the safety criterion, • a transaction management means (Kg);

- the data storage means (C1) comprising a first sub-data storage means (C1a) containing a first information about each associated mobile user (A, N, P), said first information comprising at least the telephon number of the mobile user (A, N, P) and a safety criterion associated univocally to the telephon number of the associated mobile user (A, N, P), and containing a second information concerning the available credit limit of the mobile users, further comprising a second sub-data storage means (C1b) containing information about each associated payee (B);

- the transmission server (C2) comprising transmission means (C2a, C2b, C2c);

- the transmission means (C2a, C2b, C2c) selectively communicating with the POS terminal (F) using e.g. telephone lines from the Public Switched Telephone Network, SMS or Internet Protocol;

2. The system according to claim 1 c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that for the communication between the transaction server module (K) and the mobile phone device (E, Q, R) the system comprises a voice application module (J), especially for performing at least one of the following tasks: customer authentication, customer request handling, financial services transactions, data modification, POS messaging, transaction acknowledgment through the media channels as requested by the transaction server module (K), further the system comprises a media connector module (G) which is responsible for the bidirectional communication on the various media channels, for example SMS, WAP, GPRS, and the media connector module (G) is connected to the voice application module (J), e.g. via TCP/IP protocol.

3. The system according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the balance and credit of the payee (B) are stored in the second sub-data storage means (C1b) that comprises a payee's (B) data bank in which all credits made in favour of each payee (B) are stored, the payee's data bank is through the transaction server module (K) in connection with a financial institution module (L) by means of which the account of each payee (B) is managed.

4. The system according to claim 1 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the balance, the credit and credit limit of the mobile users (A, N, P) are stored in the first sub-data storage means (C1a) that comprises a user's data bank in which all credits and deduction is made in favour of each mobile user (A, N, P), the user's data bank is through the transaction server module (K) in connection with the financial institution module (L) by means of which the account of each mobile user (A, N, P) is managed.

5. The system according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the transaction server module (K) is in communication with a telecommunication module (M).

6. The system according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the

POS terminal comprises at least one of the following components:

- Public System Telephone Network (PSTN) analogue access (3a) including preferably an RG11 socket providing the PSTN connection,

- a modem (3b) associated to the PSTN socket, and demodulating the confirmation receipt transmitted by the payment terminal application (C2a), where the modem speed is preferably 9600 bps,

- a power supply (3c) distributing a preferable 12 volt power required to operate the device,

- a main board (3d) including the Central Processing Unit (CPU) controlling the modules in the terminal POS,

- a memory module (3e) where settlement activities are stored,

- a separate security module (3f) where all sensitive information is stored and not accessible via the memory module,

- an application module (3h) which communicates with the payment terminal application (C2a), and wherein application loads are stored,

- a printer module (3i) for printing out the transaction receipt, and controlled by the main board (3d).

7. A process for operating a real time mobile telephony system, preferably according to claim 1 , for remote payment and credit granting transactions between a mobile user (A), as payer and a payee (B) having a POS-terminal (F), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the mobile users (A) and the payees (B) are associated with the system wherein

- by means of a transaction server module (K) data base transactions, queries and financial transaction tasks are implemented;

- the mobile user (A,) communicates with the transaction server module (K) using the mobile phone device (E) identified by its telephone number, • a first validating means (Ka) is used to verify whether a first message received through a telecommunication method /phone call/ contains a mobile user telephone number of an associated mobile user (A),

• a second validating means (Kb) is used to verify whether a safety parameter received through the telecommunication method (phone call) satisfies the safety criterion associated with the telephone number of the mobile user (A),

• a third validating means (Kc) is used to verify the identification and information code of the associated payee (B),

• a rejecting means (Kd) is used to generate a rejection message when one of the verifying conditions is not satisfied,

• a confirming means (Ke) is used to generate a confirmation that a transaction has been carried out,

• an authorization means (Kf) is used to authorize the transaction as requested when the safety parameters satisfies the safety criterion, • a transaction management means (Kg) is used to contol accounts of the mobile users (A) and deduct the transaction amounts from the accounts balance;

- in the first sub-data storage means (C1a) of the data storage means (C1 ) a first information is stored about each associated mobile user (A), said first information comprising at least the telephon number of the mobile user (A) and a safety criterion associated univocally to the telephon number of the associated mobile user (A), and a second information is stored concerning the available credit limit of the mobile users (A), further in the second sub-data storage means (C1b) information is stored about each associated payee (B); - by means of the transmission server (C2) comprising transmission means (C2a, C2b, C2c) selective communications are realized with the POS terminal (F) using for example telephone lines from the Public Switched Telephone

Network, SMS or Internet Protocol;

8. The process according to claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the process comprises the following steps: the mobile user (A), as payer by means of his mobile phone device E calls the core transaction system (C), then the first validating means (Ka) is used to verify whether the phone number is a phone number of a mobile user associated to the system, and the mobile telephone call is received and treated by the media connector module (G), the call is then transmitted from the media connector module (G) to the voice application module (J), by means of the voice application module (J) the PIN code will be requested through the media connector module (G), when the mobile user (A) entered his PIN code in his mobile phone device (E), the PIN code will be transmitted by the media connector module (G) to the voice application module (J), and the voice application module (J) will transmit the PIN code to the transaction server module (K), in a a first sub-data storage means (C1a) of the core transaction system (C) the data referring to the first information on each mobile user (A) is stored, the transaction server module (K) by making a database query, will check the validity of the PIN code submitted by the mobile user (A) against the value stored in the first sub-data storage means (C1a) using the second validating means (Kb).

9. The process according to claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the process comprises the following steps: upon a positive result of the PIN code at the second validating means (Kb), by the transaction server module (K) a selection menu and a voice recognition option request will be sent to the mobile user (A), via the voice application module (J), and by the second validating means (Kb) the authorization means (Kf) will be set to true, then the selection menu and the voice recognition option will be forwarded from the voice application module (J) to the media connector module (G), the selection menu will and the voice recognition option be transmitted from media connector module (G) to the mobile phone device (E), the mobile user (A) selects the payment transaction option in the menu, the selection will be transmitted by the mobile phone device (E) to the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the selection will be forwarded to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) a request will be sent for a transaction amount and the seller's identification code (D) to the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the request will be forwarded to the mobile phone device (E), the mobile user (A) enters the transaction amount and the seller's identification (D) in his mobile phone device

(E), by the mobile phone device (E) the transaction amount and payee's (B) identification (D) will be sent to the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the transaction amount and seller's identification code (D) will be forwarded to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) the transaction amount and payee's (B) identification code (D) will be forwarded to the transaction server module (K), by the transaction server module (K) a database query will be sent and transaction value checking will be made against the available credit limit of the mobile user (A) stored in the first sub-data storage means (C1a), by the transaction server module (K) a data base query will be sent and the validity of the payee's (B) identification code (D) stored in the second sub-data storage (C1 b) will be checked by using the third validating means (Kc), upon a positive result of the third validating means (Kc) of the payee's (B) identification code (D), the transaction server module (K) will send a confirmation request to the voice application module (J) by using the confirming means (Ke), by the voice application module (J) the confirmation request will be forwarded to the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the confirmation request will be forwarded to the mobile phone device (E), the mobile user (A) confirms the transaction preferably by pressing a pre-defined button on the mobile phone device (E), by the mobile phone device (E) the confirmation will be sent to the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the confirmation will be forwarded to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) the confirmation will be forwarded to the transaction server module (K), upon receipt of the confirmation message by means of the transaction management means (Kg), located in the transaction server module (K), will be checked if the authorization means (Kf) value is set to true, by the transaction server module (K) the transaction amount from the mobile user's (A) account balance stored in the first sub-data storage means (C1a) will be deducted by using the transaction management means (Kg), by the transaction server module (K) a termination communication message will be sent to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) the termination communication message will be forwarded to the media contector module (G), and the call will be terminated and cleared.

10. The process according to claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the process comprises the following steps: by the transaction server module (K) a transaction receipt will be formatted containing for example the following data: the mobile user's (A) mobile phone number, the payee's identification code (D), the payee's (B) name, the transaction value, the remaining balance and a confirmation number; and the payee (B) will establish communication with the core transaction system (C) preferably by pressing a predefined key on the POS terminal F and entering the mobile user's (A) mobile telephone number or a pre-determined other code, then by the POS terminal F a request will be sent to the communication equipment (I), by the communication equipment (I) the request and the mobile user's (A) identification code and the payee's (B) identification code (D) will be received and the information will be transmitted to the POS Proxy (H), by the POS proxy (H) the information will be forwarded to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) the information will be forwarded to the transaction server module (K), by the transaction server module (K) a true connection will be made between the two transmission means generated by the mobile user (A) and payee (B), by the transaction server module (K) a transaction receipt will be transmitted to the payment terminal application (C2a) located in the transmission server (C2), by the payment terminal application (C2a) a transaction receipt will be reformatted according to the payment terminal protocol, by the payment terminal application (C2a) the newly formatted transaction receipt will be transmitted to the transaction server module (K), by the transaction server module (K) the receipt will be transmitted to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) the receipt will be transmitted to the POS proxy (H), by the POS proxy (H) the receipt will be transmitted to the communication equipment (I), by the communication equipment (I) the receipt will be sent to the POS terminal (F), by the POS terminal (F) a payment slip will be printed comprising preferably two copies of the transaction receipt, by the transaction server module (K) the transmission of the transaction receipt will be requested to the mobile user (A) via Short

Message Service (SMS) using the GSM gateway application (C2b) in the transmission server (C2), by the GSM gateway application (C2b) an SMS will

I be sent to the mobile phone device (E) which contains the transaction receipt, by the transaction server module (K) a copy of the transaction receipt will be sent to the financial institution module (L), by the transaction server module (K) a copy of the transaction receipt will be sent to the telecommunication module

(M).

11. A process for operating a real time mobile telephony system, preferably according to claim 1 , for remote payment and credit granting transactions between- two mobile users (N, P), the first as a payer, the second as a receiver, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the mobile users (N, P) are associated with the system wherein

- by means of a transaction server module (K) data base transactions, queries and financial transaction tasks are implemented; - the mobile user (N, P) communicates with the transaction server module (K) using the mobile phone device (Q, R) identified by its telephone number,

• a first validating means (Ka) is used to verify whether a first message received through a telecommunication method /phone call/ contains a mobile user telephone number of an associated mobile user (N), • a second validating means (Kb) is used to verify whether a safety parameter received through the telecommunication method (phone call) satisfies the safety criterion associated with the telephone number of the mobile user (N),

• a rejecting means (Kd) is used to generate a rejection message when one of the verifying conditions is not satisfied, • a confirming means (Ke) is used to generate a confirmation that a transaction has been carried out,

• an authorization means (Kf) is used to authorize the transaction as requested when the safety parameters satisfies the safety criterion,

• a transaction management means (Kg) is used to contol the accounts of the mobile users and deduct the transaction amounts from the accounts balance;

- in the first sub-data storage means (C1a) of the data storage means (C1) a first information is stored about each associated mobile user (N, P), said first information comprising at least the telephon number of the mobile user (N, P) and a safety criterion associated univocally to the telephon number of the associated mobile user (N, P), and a second information is stored concerning the available credit limit of the mobile users (N, P),

- by means of the transmission server (C2) comprising transmission means (C2a, C2b, C2c) selective communications are realized with the mobile phone device (R) using for example SMS.

12. The process according to the claim 11 c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the process comprises the following steps: in a credit transfer transaction, the second mobile user (P) communicates the amount to the first mobile user (N), the first mobile user (N) notes phone number or alias of the second mobile user (P), the first mobile user (N) by means of his mobile phone device (Q) calls the core transaction system (C) using an admissible telephone number, the first validating means (Ka) is used to verify whether the phone number of the first mobile user (N) is a phone number of a mobile user associated to the system, the mobile telephone call from mobile phone device (Q) is received and treated by the media connector module (G), the call is then transmitted from the media connector module (G) to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) the call will be treated by requesting the PIN code of the mobile user (N) through the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the PIN code of the mobile user (N) will be requested via the mobile phone device (Q), the mobile user (N) will enter his PIN code in the mobile phone device (Q) by which the PIN code will be transmitted to the media connector module (G), the PIN code will be transmitted by media connector module (G) to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) the PIN code will be transmitted to the transaction server module (K), the core transaction system (C) has a data storage means (C1) that includes a first sub-data storage means (C1a) which stores the data referring to the information on each mobile user, by means of the transaction server module (K), by making a database query, the validity of the PIN code submitted by the mobile user (N) will be checked against the value stored in the first sub-data storage means (C1a) using the second validating means (Kb).

13. The process according to claim 11 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the process comprises the following steps: upon a positive result of the second validating means (Kb) of the PIN code, by the transaction server module (K) a selection menu and a voice recognition option request will be sent to the first mobile user (N) via the voice application module (J), by the second validating means (Kb) the authorization means (Kf) will be set to true, the selection menu and the voice recognition option will be forwarded from the voice application module (J) to the media connector module (G), the selection menu and the voice recognition option will be transmitted from media connector module (G) to the mobile phone device (Q) of the first mobile user (N), the first mobile user (N) selects the credit transfer option in the menu, the selection will be transmitted by the mobile phone device (Q) to the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the selection will be forwarded to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) a request will be sent for a credit transfer amount and the second mobile user (P) phone number or alias to the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the request will be forwarded to the mobile phone device (Q), the first mobile user (N) enters the credit transfer amount and the second mobile user (P) phone number or alias in his mobile phone device (Q), by means of the mobile phone device (Q) the credit transfer amount and the second mobile user (P) phone number or alias will be sent to the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the credit transfer amount and the second mobile user (P) phone number or alias will be forwarded to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module

(J) the credit transfer amount and the second mobile user (P) phone number or alias will be forwarded to the transaction server module (K), by the transaction server module (K) a database query will be made and the credit transfer value will be checked against the available credit limit of the first mobile user (N) stored in the first sub-data storage means (C1a), by the transaction server module (K) a database query will be made and the validity of the second mobile user (P) stored in the first sub-data storage means (C1a) will be checked, by the transaction server module (K) a confirmation request will be sent to the voice application module (J) using the confirming means (Ke), by the voice application module (J) the confirmation request will be forwarded to the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the confirmation request will be forwarded to the mobile phone device (Q), the first mobile user (N) confirms the transaction preferably by pressing a pre-defined button on the mobile phone device (Q), by means of the mobile phone device (Q) the confirmation will be sent to the media connector module (G), by the media connector module (G) the confirmation will be forwarded to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) the confirmation will be forwarded to the transaction server module (K), upon receipt of the confirmation message, by means of the transaction management means (Kg), located in the transaction server module (K), will be checked if the authorization means (Kf) value is set to true, by the transaction server module (K) the credit transfer from the first mobile user (N) account balance stored in the first sub-data storage means (C1a) will be deducted and increased by the same amount the account balance of the second mobile user (P) stored in first sub-data storage means (C1a) using the transaction management means (Kg), by the transaction server module (K) a termination communication message will be sent to the voice application module (J), by the voice application module (J) the termination communication message will be forwarded to the media connector module (G), and the call will be terminated and cleared.

14. The process according to claim 11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the process comprises the following steps: by the transaction server module (K) a transaction receipt will be formatted containing preferably the following data: first mobile user (N) phone number, the second mobile user (P) name and telephone number, the credit transfer amount, the remaining available credit limit and a confirmation number, by the transaction server module (K) the transmission of a transaction receipt to the first mobile user (N) will be requested via Short Message Service (SMS) using the GSM gateway application (C2b) in transmission server (C2), by the GSM gateway application (C2b) an SMS will be sent to the mobile phone device (Q) of the first mobile user (N) which contains the transaction receipt, by the transaction server module (K) a second transaction receipt will be formatted containing preferably the following data: the second mobile user (P) phone number, the first mobile user (N) name and telephone number, the credit transfer amount, the new available credit limit and a confirmation number, by the transaction server module (K) the transmission of the second transaction receipt will be requested to the mobile phone device (R) via Short Message Service (SMS) using the GSM gateway application in the transmission server (C2b), by the GSM gateway application (C2b) an SMS will be sent to the mobile phone device (R) of the second mobile user (P) which contains the transaction receipt, by the transaction server module (K) a copy of the transaction receipts will be transmitted to the financial institution module (L), by the transaction server module (K) a copy of the transaction receipts will be sent to the telecommunication module (M).