WO2007001197A1

WO2007001197A1 - Electronic payment method and system implementing said method

Info

Publication number: WO2007001197A1
Application number: PCT/PT2006/000015
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruno Orlando Nunes Mourão MARTINS; Luís Filipe de Castro HENRIQUES; Pedro Miguel Costa Felix Madeira Rodrigues; Frederico Monteiro Mangas
Original assignee: Martins Bruno Orlando Nunes Mo; Henriques Luis Filipe De Castr; Rodrigues Pedro Miguel Costa F; Frederico Monteiro Mangas
Priority date: 2005-06-27
Filing date: 2006-06-27
Publication date: 2007-01-04
Also published as: PT103296A

Abstract

A system to perform electronic payments comprising: a mobile (1) with an identification number assigned to it; a remote server comprising interactive voice response (IVR) means, at least one database (5) linked to said remote server (4) for storing a variety of network identification numbers assigned to buyable products and services, wherein the said remote server (4) receives a call from the mobile (1), identifies the specific identification number associated to the mobile (1) and the network identification number dialled by said mobile (1), said call prompting the remote server (4) to search the data stored on the at least one database (5) in order to determine whether the mobile (1) identification number and the network number dialled are registered and whether a transaction is possible; said determination prompting the remote server (4) to disconnect the call made by the mobile (1) without ever answering it.

Description

ELECTRONIC PAYMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM IMPLEMENTING SAID

METHOD

Technical Field

The present invention is related to a method and a system to make electronic payments, more specifically, a method and a system to make electronic payments through the use of a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone.

Background Art

Since the late 1990's, there began to appear some electronic payment methods made possible through the use of one's mobile phone. Various methods and systems have been disclosed of the years but all can be essentially categorised into one of three types:

1. The user makes a phone call and follows a certain number of steps, such as entering PINs, so as to authorise the payment using his mobile phone and crediting the service provider's account.

2. The service provider or creditor takes the initiative and makes a phone call or sends a signal to a system that, in turn, calls the user's mobile communication device, the latter accepting or rejecting the payment.

3. Lastly, a system in which the user sends a written SMS (Short Message Service) with the details authorising a certain payment. The user/client typically receives a return message confirming the payment.

These methods and systems that make up the present state of the art are all characterised by being relatively time consuming, typically requiring a great deal of interaction between the mobile communication device user and the validation service on the other end. The number of steps to complete the payment may vary according to the method and system in question, but none are instantaneous, the latter term being defined by taking under 10 seconds. The non- instantaneous nature of the current mobile phone payment methods and systems is a major reason why many users continue to prefer paying for small amounts in cash, cheque, debit card, credit card etc. Often, this traditional method of making payments is quicker than the validation process necessary to make a payment through a mobile phone.

These present state of the art methods and systems are also all characterised by involving a telecommunications cost for the user or the service provider since an actual call or message must be made or sent in order to process and validate the transaction. For small micro-payments, such as car-parking or train tickets, the extra telecommunications cost is an extra financial burden on the user, making the use of the method and system unattractive.

There is therefore a necessity to provide a method and system of making electronic payments using mobile communication device's that require only one action from the user, is essentially instantaneous and incurs no cost for the user or the product/service provider.

Disclosure of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new payment transaction method and a new payment transaction system for users of mobile communication devices that is instantaneous and requires only one action from the user.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new payment transaction method and a new payment transaction system for users of mobile communication devices that incurs no telecommunication cost for any of the entities involved.

Theses objects are achieved according to the present invention in particular through the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments follow moreover from the dependent claims and the description. \ The present invention consists of a system comprising a Mobile Communication Device

(MCD) such as a mobile phone. This MCD, which is integrated in a licensed operator's telecommunications network has a specific identification number, which in the case of mobile phones is provided by the SIM card. The MCD enables the user to make calls to assigned existing numbers through the use of the key pad. The system also comprises at least one product or service with a specific dialable number associated to it. The system also comprises a remote server which runs an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) means. This remote server is in communication with at least one database that stores data regarding the users that are registered with the service or system. The at least one database also contains data related to the system partners/service providers. Lastly, the at least one database also stores data about the payment attempts made by the users, and also the successful transactions completed using the system. The at least one database also maintains all the relevant billing information related to the users and to the service providers/partners. The system further comprises an application that permits the connectivity between the IVR means and the said at least one database and another information technology (IT) application developed so that the remote server can be connected and consulted via the Internet. The electronic payment system and method of the present invention operates in the following manner: a user that wishes to pay for a product or a service uses his MCD to dial a number that has been specifically assigned to the said product or service. The MCD call is possible using available mobile telecommunication technology and operators. Non-limitative examples of this mobile communication technology are GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). The numbers associated to the product or service must correspond to telecommunication lines, provided by the fixed network operator, that have at least two channels, the return channel being left open. The number dialled by the MCD will generate a call that is received by the remote server. This call is not answered. Instead, the remote server identifies both the number calling and the number dialled. The remote server searches for the calling number in the said at least one database in order to determine the identity of the user. If the MCD number is not listed in the respective user list of the at least one database, the call will be diverted by the remote server to a call centre which will prompt the user to register himself/herself with the system. At the same time as the remote server searches for the number of the user in the at least one database, it also searches for the number dialled- by the MCD in order to determine what specific product or service the user wishes to pay for and the A- corresponding monetary amount of that product or service. In the event that the product or service is not listed in the specific section of the at least one database, the IVR means sends a voice message through the open return channel informing the user of the error.

In the event that the remote server does recognise both the number of the MCD and the number dialled, it then searches the relevant files on the at least one database to access the account balance of the user in order, thus determining if the user has enough funds to cover the payment requested. If payment is not possible, a control application in the server will refuse the transaction. If the payment is possible, the said control application in the server will change the status of the user to "Validated". Once this process is complete, the remote server automatically disconnects the call between it and the MCD without ever answering it.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, after validating the user, the server sends a signal to the IVR means which sends a pre-recorded voice message confirming the transaction via the open return channel of the telecommunications line. In the event that the payment is not possible, the server sends a signal to the IVR means which sends a pre-recorded voice message informing of an error. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the pre-recorded message would inform the user of the nature of the error. In yet another preferred embodiment, the control application can communicate with other parties such as credit agencies or banking systems in order to transmit the debit authorisation. Due to the fact that the call was never answered, no telecommunications cost will be charged either to the user or to the service provider. Unlike other systems in which the user must physically authorise the payment on the dial pad of his/her mobile phone, in the present invention all that is necessary is the recognition of the number dialling and the number dialled in order for the transaction to take place.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the system's database can be accessed through the Internet or through WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) technology on the MCD. The data base is designed to support all the information regarding the client, as well as the possibility of interlinking with other systems, such as banking systems and the like. This database has two associated applications also defined for the effect. One application permits client access in order to change details and information, and another control application that permits the verification of payments made, as well as the link to banking systems for purposes of checldng debits. The system database will essentially store at least 5 blocks of data, namely the list of registered users duly authorised to make payments through the system, as well all relevant information regarding said users. The database will also include a list of partners and services that are registered to receive payments through the system. Thirdly, the said database will list all the successful transactions completed through the system, as well as a list of all the unsuccessful payment attempts made by registered and unregistered users. Lastly, the database will maintain all relevant information regarding client billing and current accounts with the registered service providers/partners. The database technology involved is that commonly known by those with skilled knowledge in the area and, for the purposes of the present invention, it is inconsequential whether one or several databases are used to achieve the aims set out above.

The advantages of the present invention are that the user does not need to acquire any new MCD nor does he/she need to configure in any way the MCD that he/she possesses when registering with this new electronic payment method. The only information the dialler needs is the number to dial which is specifically associated with the product or service that he/she wishes to pay for. Aside from this, the present invention allows for great flexibility for the user to make the payments since he/she can pay wherever he is located and at any time. A further advantage of the invention is that it allows the crediting entity an immediate control of the payments made and thus can define consumption behaviour more accurately and engage collecting/enforcement means more effectively. Moreover, the user does not need specific knowledge or great understanding of technology to use the system, since the solution is extremely easy to use. The method is essentially instantaneous and requires only one action from the user, namely the dialling. As mentioned above, as the call is not answered by the server, no telecommunications cost is incurred.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The example of an embodiment is illustrated by the following attached figures, in which:

Fig. 1 is a functional diagram of the essential elements that make up the system and how they are interlinked; Fig. 2 is a flow-diagram that represents the procedure of a particular embodiment of the electronic payment method of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The following description is of a specific embodiment of the method and system of the invention and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined exclusively by the claims. The following example consists of the application of the inventive method and system to car parking.

According to this particular embodiment of the invention, Client A parks his vehicle in a paid parking area and makes his way to the closest parking meter. The parking meter will have a telephone number in a clearly visible location. Alternatively, the actual parking space will indicate the telephone number. Client A dials the number on his mobile phone (1) dial pad. The call is received but not answered by a remote server (4), the latter possessing Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology, as is currently widely known in the state of the art. The communication between the said remote server (4) and the mobile phone (1) is made possible through communication lines (3) made available by a telecommunications network operator (2).

Upon receiving the call from Client A, the remote server (4) receives the following information: the number of the mobile phone (1) that dialled, provided by the SIM card installed, as well as the specific number it is dialling. That specific number that the mobile phone (1) is dialling will be linked to a certain parking area or a specific parking location.

The remote server (4) uses the data received from the Client A's mobile phone (1), namely the SIM card identification number in order to search the user registration list in the at least one database (5) interlinked to the remote server (4) so as to validate or not validate the user. Conveniently the data that will be included in the user registration list is the user's name and client number, his address, additional contacts, taxpayer number and the license plate of the user's car or cars. In the event that Client A is not listed on the database (5), the remote server (4) will redirect the phone call to a client support call centre. Client A will then be pror^ήpted to provide the necessary information to register himself/herself with the service. After the registration has been processed, Client A must redial the number associated to the parking meter so as to process the payment. Alternatively, the call centre will redirect the user to the initial point or register the payment manually.

If Client A is an already registered user on the system database (5) when he dials the number assigned to the parking meter, the remote server (4) will validate him as a registered user and proceed to verify that the number dialled by the user has a product or service associated to it and if payment of the product or service is possible at that time. The information related to the number dialled will also be stored on the same database (5), or alternatively on a separate linked database. If the service is not registered, the system will send an error message to Client A, informing him that the number which he dialled is not associated to any product or service. Alternatively, the system will inform Client A that payment of that product or service is not possible at that time. This may happen due to a variety of factors such as a technical problem in the system or database; the product or service has already been paid by another user, or it is not necessary to pay for the product or service at the time the user wishes to make the payment. As an example, parking may be free on Sundays or after a certain hour and the user may not have knowledge of this fact.

If the remote server (4) determines that the number dialled is in fact associated to a product or service, more specifically a valid and available parking space, then it will proceed to check the user's account balance and whether there are enough funds to cover the cost. In the event that the account balance is insufficient to pay for the service, the remote server (4) sends a return voice message, using the IVR means, informing Client A of this fact through the open channel of the communication line. If in fact enough monetary funds are available to cover the purchase, the remote server proceeds to debit Client A's account in the respective amount. Simultaneously, the system will credit the service provider with the payment made by Client A. In order to finish the direct debit transaction, the system will send a voice message over the open return channel of the telecommunications line (3) informing Client A of the success of the transaction. In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present example, the voice message would also inform Client A of the time when the valid parking would end. After sending the confirmation message, the system would automatically disconnect the phone call without ever having answered the call.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, during the processing of the data the remote server (4) would inform the service provider of the identity of the user and other related information such as the license plate. It would also inform the service provider of the nature of the transaction being processed. In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the remote server (4) would inform the service provider of the identity of the user and the success of the transaction performed only after the phone call to the user had been automatically disconnected.

After every payment or payment attempt, the system would accordingly automatically update all the data stored in the database and carry out all additional procedures required or advisable by law and accounting. The data would be updated also for later confirmation by the user or service provider, said data being accessed through, although not exclusively, the internet.

Claims

1. A system to carry out electronic payments between a debtor and creditor comprising:

- a mobile communication device (1) with a specific identification number assigned to it, said mobile communication device (1) comprising a numbered key pad and being capable of establishing calls to other network numbers through telecommunication lines (3) supplied by a telecommunications operator's network (2), said telecommunication lines (3) comprising at least two channels wherein one of said channels is an open return channel; a remote server (4) capable of receiving calls from the said mobile communication device (1), said remote server (4) comprising interactive voice response (IVR) means; at least one database (5) linked to said remote server (4) for storing relevant data regarding the calls made by the said mobile communication device (1) to the said remote server (4) and for storing a variety of network identification numbers specifically assigned to buyable products and services, wherein the said remote server (4) receives a call from the mobile communication device (1) via the telecommunication lines (3) of telecommunications operator's network (2), identifies the specific identification number associated to the mobile communication device (1) and the specific network number dialled by said mobile communication device (1), said call prompting the remote server (4) to search the data stored on the at least one database (5) in order to determine whether the mobile communication device (1) identification number is registered, whether the specific network number dialled is registered and whether a transaction is possible; said determination prompting the remote server (4) to disconnect the call made by the mobile communication device (1) without ever answering it.

2. A system according to the claim 1, characterised in that after the remote server (4) determines whether the transaction is possible, the said IVR means in the remote server (4) sends a pre-recorded voice message to the debtor through the open return channel of the communications line (3) before disconnecting the call.

3. A system according to the preceding claims characterised in that the remote server (4) includes a control application that establishes the link between the said remote server (4) and the said at least one database (5) and processes the data stored in the latter so as to identify and validate the mobile communication device (1) and the product or service that was requested.

4. A system according to the preceding claims characterised in that the said remote server (4) and the said at least one database (5) comprise computer hardware and software means that allow the at least one database (5) to be accessed through the Internet (6).

5. A system according to claim 1, characterised in that the mobile communication device (1) is a mobile phone and makes the calls using GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) technology.

6. A system according to the preceding claims characterised in that the specific network number dialled by the mobile communication device (1) not only corresponds to a specific product or service, but also it's respective cost.

7. A system according to the preceding claims characterised in that the said at least one database (5) in addition to containing data on all the mobile telecommunication devices registered and authorised to make payments using the system and on all the specific network numbers assigned to products or services that can be acquired, also contains information on the partners that supply said products or services, data on all the successfully completed transactions made through the system; data on all the payment attempts made by debtors; and all the relevant data for billing the debtors and paying the partners.

8. A method of making an electronic payment between a debtor equipped with a mobile communication device (1) and a payment system comprising a remote server (4) equipped interactive voice response (IVR) means and linked to at least one database (5) wherein: the debtor dials a specific network number on the key pad of his mobile communication device (1), and the mobile communication device (1) transmits the specific network number dialled and its own identification number to a remote server (4) via a telecommunication operator's network (2) and telecommunication lines (3), each line comprising at least two channels and in which at least one channel is an open return channel, the said remote server (4), upon receiving the numbers transmitted by the said mobile communication device (1), searches for those numbers in specific lists in the said at least one database (5) and, based on other data associated to the transmitted numbers, determines whether a transaction is possible, the said remote server (4) disconnects the call to the mobile communication device (1) without answering it, once it has determined whether the transaction is possible or not.

9. A method according to claim 8, characterised in that after determining whether the transaction is possible and before disconnecting the call, the said IVR means in the remote server (4) sends a pre-recorded voice message through the at least one open return channel of the telecommunication line (3) informing the debtor of the success or failure of the transaction.

10. A method according to claim 8 and 9, characterised in that after determining that a transaction is not possible and before disconnecting the call, the said IVR means in the remote server (4) sends a pre-recorded voice message through the at least one open return channel of the telecommunication line (3) informing the debtor of the failure to process the transaction and forwards the call to a registration call centre.