WO2009100477A1

WO2009100477A1 - An interface

Info

Publication number: WO2009100477A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/000113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Kunkler; Caevan Sachinwalla; Brent Jackson
Original assignee: Rubik Financial Limited
Priority date: 2008-02-15
Filing date: 2009-01-30
Publication date: 2009-08-20
Also published as: AU2009214812A1

Abstract

A system (10) for interfacing with a machine (12) is disclosed. The system (10) may act as an interface between a banking machine (12) and a mobile handheld device (14) of a user (16). The system (10) generates and sends to the device (14) an interactive visual representation of an interactive voice response interface.

Description

AN INTERFACE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and system for interfacing, and particularly but not exclusively, to a method and system for interfacing banking information with a mobile device.

Background of the Invention

Electronic banking and other electronically provided services are popular and well received means of accessing services. Unlike conventional banking involving a transaction over a counter at a branch or office, a customer of the bank or service provider can initiate services such as the transfer of funds and payments while remote from the branch or office. Currently, the two dominate forms of electronic banking are internet banking using a personal computer and telephone banking, sometimes called phone banking. Telephone banking is typically provided by a bank or financial institution and allows customers to perform transactions over a simple Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) using a touch tone, that is DTMF, compatible phone.

Phone banking is typically enabled by interactive voice response technology. Interactive voice response interfaces typically form a customer interface for a telephone banking system, and allows a computer to recognize voice and/or DTMF using the PSTN for instructing the computer to supply bank balances, make a transaction, etc. A session is started when the bank receives a telephone call which is connected to an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) comprising computers, servers, network connections and the like. The IVR provides audible instructions and options. The client issues commands and requests by pressing buttons on the DTMF enabled telephone generating tones which are interpreted by the IVR. The system then forwards the command/request to a core banking or Enterprise system. The core banking system performs the electronic transaction.

Although internet banking is becoming more and more popular, there is still a substantial portion of the community that continues to use phone banking system. Phone banking is particularly useful because no access is required to a conventional computer, such as a PC, to operate the phone banking system.

Some mobile/cell telephones and devices are wirelessly connectable to the internet and support a web browser. This has allowed some adventurous individuals to view internet banking web pages and conduct internet banking on their device. However, this is tedious, frustrating and not practical because internet banking sites assume that the web pages are viewed on a large viewing screen, such as typically found on a desktop computer, and include an array of complex banking options resulting in an involved visual interface difficult to navigate using the keys on a mobile telephone or device. Internet banking websites also typically assume a broadband connection which may not be the case for a mobile/cell telephone or device.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention 'there is provided a method of interfacing with an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR), the method comprising the steps of: sending interface data specifying an interactive visual representation of a menu of the IVR; and receiving response data specifying a selection from the menu, the response data being compatible with the IVR system.

In an embodiment the interface data is arranged to control a display of the visual representation by a mobile handheld device. In an embodiment, the visual representation is arranged in a corresponding structure to an audio IVR menu. In an embodiment, the visual representation is a visual facsimile of at least part of the audio IVR menu. ^* The interface data may include a numbered list of options corresponding to options provided by the IVR.

In an embodiment, the IVR is arranged to provide a banking application. For example this may include information on the user's banking, such as accounts, enable transfers, etc.

At least an embodiment of the invention may have the following advantages:

• A visual interface may be provided which leverages off an existing IVR into which substantial effort and resources have been expended during development, thus reducing the effort and cost of providing a visual interface, or generally the conceptual framework of IVR systems is borrowed to advantage;

• The visual interface will be optimised in the sense that the voice IVR may have been much improved over its operational lifetime;

• A very simple and intuitive "feel" is given to the visual interface which takes its feel from the audio IVR, which makes the visual interface accessible to a wide range of potential users such as the elderly and the very young; • A person that have continued to use the IVR and, for example, avoid internet banking, may find the visual interface readily acceptable. Internet users may also find the visual interface readily acceptable and much more convenient than, for example, current mobile applications which attempt to serve pages resembling internet banking pages to a mobile device (this tends to be slow and the interface tends to be complex) ; and

• Because an existing IVR has been previously approved and includes strong security measures, it is relatively straightforward to obtain approval to provide a visual interface as an additional service.

In some embodiments of the method the step of sending interface data includes the step of sending web page information specifying the interactive visual representation. The step of sending web page information includes sending one or more of HTML, Javascript, and cascading style sheets. The step of sending web page information may include the step of sending web page information to a mobile handheld device arranged to display the web page information. The mobile handheld device may be any mobile handheld device having a web browser such as, for example, OPERA. The step of sending the data may include the step of sending the data over a wireless data network to which the mobile handheld device is connected. The step of sending the interface data may include sending the data using a cryptographic protocol . It will be understood however, that the step of sending the web page information may alternatively include the step of sending web page information to any device arranged to display the web page information, and the invention is not limited to mobile devices. The step of receiving response data may include the step of receiving response data from a mobile handheld device . The step of receiving the response data may include receiving the response data using a cryptographic protocol . The step of receiving response data may include the step of receiving response data via a web browser. A user may initiate generation of the response data by interacting with the web browser. The step of receiving response data may include the step of forwarding the response data. The response data may be a number that was entered on a numerical keypad. The numerical keypad may be a numerical keypad on the mobile handheld device .

At least an embodiment of the invention may have the following advantages:

• Implementing the visual interface as a collection of web pages allows the visual system to be compatible with any device that can render web pages;

• The existing internet and web programming frameworks can be leveraged;

• The data sent to the device may be modest in size t (because it may be required to render only a relatively simple IVR-like interface - not a complex internet-banking page and does not require the downloading of a relatively large applet to the device, which consumes resources and download quotas which may both be scarce;

• The system is Apple™ iPhone™ ready; and

• new users of the visual interface may be familiar with the menu and commands of the existing voice IVR system. The method of selecting an option or commanding the visual interface may be identical to the voice IVR, for example the same button should be pressed to initiate a command on both systems.

In some alternative embodiments, however, the mobile handheld device contains an applet that receives and interprets the interface data, and subsequently renders the interactive visual representation.

The step of sending the interface data may include the step of sending a menu relating to a banking application, including options for one or more of transferring funds, making a payment, requesting account information, requesting home loan account information, and requesting recent transaction history. The method may further comprise the step of sending one or more of account information, such as, balance data and home loan data, and recent transaction data. The method may include the step of the user pre-configuring the system to automatically send one or more of account information, recent transaction data, and any other banking or promotional related information.

The method may further include a preliminary step of receiving a user security identifier. The user security identifier may correspond with an existing security identifier for the IVR.

The method may further comprise the step of requesting registered payee list data from an internet banking database. The method may include the step of sending registered payee list data. In an alternative embodiment, a core banking system is requested for the registered payee list data.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the further step of sending audio data specifying an audio representation of a menu of the IVR. The method may comprise the further step of sending audio data arranged to render audio to assist a user. This embodiment may have the advantage that as well as a visual IVR the user can utilize a familiar audio IVR. In some embodiments the method further comprises the separate step of sending a request for approval of a payment initiated by another person. The method may include the step of receiving approval for the payment .

The method may be coded as computer software. The software may be stored on volatile or non-volatile memory hardware .

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for interfacing a user with an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) , the system comprising: a data sender for sending interface data specifying an interactive visual representation of a menu of the IVR; and a response data receiver for receiving response data specifying a selection from the menu, the response data being compatible with the IVR system.

In some embodiments of the system, the system includes a web page constructor for constructing web page information specifying the interactive visual representation. The web page constructor may be in communication with the IVR. The web page constructor may be arranged to provide system security. The web page constructor may be in communication with an internet banking database and arranged to request a registered payee list from the database. The web page constructor may be arranged to send the registered payee list.

The system may include a web server in communication with the web page constructor for sending the web page information. The system may include a network connector in communication with or forming part of the web server, the network connector connecting the system to a network to which a device arranged to display the web page is also connected. The device may be a wireless mobile handheld device. The web server may be separated from the web page constructor by a fire wall.

The response data receiver may be in communication with the IVR. The receiver may be arranged to send the response data to the IVR. The receiver may include the web server and firewall . The receiver may include the web page construction module .

The system may further be arranged to receive a security identifier. The system may be arranged to confirm with the IVR that the security identifier corresponds to an existing security identifier registered with the IVR.

The system may be arranged for communication with a core computing system of a financial institution. The core computing system may be a core banking system and the financial institution may be a bank.

In some embodiments, the system, the IVR and the internet banking database system are embodied in a single physical server. The IVR may be on an internet banking box.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a device for interfacing a user with an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) , the device comprising: an interface data receiver for receiving interface data specifying an interactive visual representation of a menu of the IVR; an interface data renderer for rendering the interface data; a display for displaying the visual representation; and a response data sender for sending response data specifying a selection from the menu, the response data being compatible with the IVR system.

In some embodiments the device is a mobile handheld device .

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising the system of the second aspect and the device of the third aspect.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising the system of the second aspect and an Interactive Voice Response System in communication with each other.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of secure banking, the method comprising the steps of : receiving a request to provide a set of payees previously registered with an internet banking database; requesting the set of payees; receiving the set of registered payees; and sending the set of payees previously registered.

The steps of receiving a request and the step of sending the set of registered payees may include the steps of receiving and sending a SMS respectively. The step of receiving an SMS may include the step of receiving a SMS from a mobile handheld device. The step of sending a SMS may include the step of sending a SMS to the mobile handheld device .

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of interfacing with a machine, the method comprising the step of sending an interactive visual representation of an interactive voice response interface.

In an embodiment the interactive voice response interface corresponds to an interface of an Interactive Voice Response System. The visual representation may be at least in part a facsimile of the interface of the Interactive Voice Response System.

According to a eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a system for interfacing with a machine, the system comprising means for generating an interactive visual representation of an interactive voice response interface .

In some embodiments the machine is an electronic banking system. The interactive visual representation may include a simple hierarchical navigation scheme. The navigation scheme may be a visual representation of a menu system suitable for the Interactive Voice Response interface. The visual representation may be limited to fit on the screen of a mobile handheld device. A menu selection may be made by a user selecting a key on the mobile handheld device. The key may be a numerical key.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a system for secure banking, the system comprising: a request receiver for receiving a request to provide a set of payees previously registered with an internet banking database; a request sender for requesting the set of payees; a payee set receiver for receiving the set of registered payees; and a payee set sender for sending the set of payees previously registered. According to a tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of banking over a Short Message Service, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a short message (SMS) including a coded instruction to transfer funds to a third party; identifying an account using a number of the device from which the SMS was sent; and transferring the funds from the account to the third party.

In some embodiments the step of receiving a coded instruction to transfer funds to a third party includes receiving a number identifying the third party. The step of receiving a coded instruction to transfer funds to a third party may include receiving a number representing the amount to be transferred.

In some embodiments the method may further comprise the preliminary steps of: receiving a short message (SMS) including a coded instruction to provide a set of registered payees; identifying an account using a number of a device from which the SMS was sent; and sending a SMS including the set of payees registered against the account to the device.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of retrieving payee information, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a short message (SMS) including a coded instruction to provide a set of registered payees; identifying an account using a number of a device from which the SMS was sent; and sending a SMS including the set of payees registered against the account to the device. The step of sending the set of registered payees may include the step of retrieving the set of registered payees from an internet banking database . In alternative embodiments, the set of registered payees may be retrieved from a core banking system.

The method may further comprise the step of sending a remittance to the third party. The method may include the step of sending an SMS and/or email receipt or notice of the transfer.

Brief Description of the Figures

In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile handheld device interfacing with an electronic banking machine; Fig. 2 shows one embodiment of a mobile handheld device displaying a visual presentation of a menu of an interactive voice response system;

Fig. 3 shows one embodiment of a system for interfacing a user with an interactive voice response system;

Fig. 4 shows the device of Fig. 3 displaying an entry web page of the system of Fig . 3 ;

Fig. 5 shows on the mobile device a web page automatically provided by the system of Fig. 3 to the user;

Fig. 6 shows a web page provided by the system which lists recent transactions;

Fig. 7 shows a web page provided by the system of Fig. 3 arranged for transferring funds; Fig. 8 shows a web page provided by the system arranged to make payments through BPAY; and

Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a method of banking over a short message service.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

One embodiment of a system 10 for interfacing with a machine 12 is shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment the machine 12 is a core banking system of a bank or financial institution arranged to process banking transactions and enquiries and the like. The system 10 acts as an interface between the banking machine 12 and a mobile handheld device 14 of a user 16 of the banking service provided by the core bank system 12. In some embodiments, the mobile handheld device may be any of a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) enabled mobile phone, a 3G or a 3.5G enabled mobile telephone, a Blackberry or Palm Treo, or any other suitable wirelessly connected mobile handheld device .

The system 10 generates and sends to the device 14 an interactive visual representation, rendered and indicated by numeral 20 in Fig. 2, of an interactive voice .response interface for display on a screen 18 of the device 14. Visual interface data is sent to the device 14, and is arranged to control the display of the visual representation 20 by the device 14. The visual representation 20 is a visual facsimile of at least part of an audio menu including several options. The visual representation 20 shown in Fig. 2 includes a numbered list of options such as 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30. Option 22 in Fig 2., for example, has a number component 32 which is "1" and a label component which is "account balance" . Each option such as 22 is associated with a key such as 36 on the mobile device 18. In the case of the option 22, the number component "1" 32 indicates to the user 16 that pressing the associated numerical key 36 labeled "1" on a keypad 38 of the device 14 will select option 22. In the corresponding interactive voice interface, the user may hear "Please press 1 for your account balance, 2 for a transaction, 3 for a transfer, 4 to make a payment, and 5 to leave the system". To select account balance, the user 16 would press the key labeled "1" 36 just as the user would when using the system 10 providing a visual representation 20. Generally, the system 10 is configured to minimize the need for non-numeric data to be input by the user 16, however, some non-numeric data may still need entry into the system 10. The visual representation in this embodiment is limited to comfortably be viewed and navigated on the screen 18 of the device 14. In this case, the menu is limited to 5 options.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a system 40 for interfacing the user 16 with an interactive voice response system 42. The system 40 is a combination of hardware and software. The IVR system 42 is arranged to provide audible options and DTMF response customer interface over a PSTN network 43 from a conventional telephone 45. The system 40 provides wireless browser based access to an electronic banking system 52 from the device 14 through the existing IVR 42. The system 40 generates and sends interface data specifying an interactive visual representation of a menu of the IVR 42 over a two-way network 44 supporting internet. The network 44 may comprise both a wired Ethernet network portion 43 adjacent to the system 40 and a connected wireless network portion 45 adjacent the mobile handheld device 14. The wireless network may be any one of a cellular, WAP, GPRS, WiFI, WiMax, 3G or any other suitable network. The two-way connection between the system 40 and the device 14 uses a cryptographic protocol such as SSL, preferably with 128 bit encryption, or Transport Layer Security (TLS) .

A web page construction means in the form of a software and/or hardware module 46 of the system 40 constructs web page information specifying the interactive visual representation 20. It is in communication with the device 14 via data sending and response data receiving means including a firewall 48 and web server 50 connected to the network 44. The response data receiving means 48 and 50 receive response data from the device 18 specifying a selection from the menu by the user 16, the response data being compatible with the IVR system 42. The web page construction module 46 is in two-way communication with the IVR 42 (via Ethernet TCP/IP, for example) and sends the response to a business rule/logic module 56 of the IVR 42. The module 56 interprets the response and, if required, sends via a host interface 58 a request to the core banking system 52. The core banking system 52 performs the request/command which may include one or more of the transfer of funds, making a payment, forwarding an account balance, recent transaction history information, or any other appropriate and desirable information. The web page information includes HTML and cascading style sheets, possibly incorporating JAVA code.

The link 54 between the IVR 42 and the core banking system 52 is dedicated and locked down for security. The link 54 is typically an Ethernet type link, over TCP/IP carrying XML data sent using a hypertext transfer protocol . Substantial security measures are enforced by the IVR 42 and core banking system 52 and these are leveraged by the system 40. The system 40 requires a security identifier, such as a log in and password as shown in Fig. 4, and confirms with the IVR 42 that the security identifier received from the device 14 corresponds with an existing security identifier of the IVR 42. Thus, even if the system 40 was compromised the security measures put in place by the IVR 42 and the banking system 52 may still prevent fraudulent actions. There may be additional security measures provided by the system 40. For example, the web page construction module 46 may compile security parameters from page usage statistics and construction parameters at the start of a banking session, and terminate the session if these change. This may prevent "hijacking" of a session by a fraudster on another web capable device . In another example, the system 40 may check that a nominated payee is contained in a list of allowed or pre-configured payees. These payees may have been previously registered with an internet banking database 61 or system 60 connected to the system 40 over a link 62. The system 40 is arranged to request registered payee data from the database 61. The module 46 is arranged to send the registered payee data to the device 14.

The interface data, in this embodiment, is web page information specifying the interactive visual representation 20. The mobile handheld device 14 includes a web browser, such as OPERA which receives and renders the web page information and renders it on the screen 18. Interface data can be provided by the system 40, however, tailored for specific and different browsers. Many browsers are supported. The browser also sends response data specifying, for example, a menu selection made by the user 16, the selection being compatible with the business rules of the IVR 42. This response data is sent over the network 44 to the web page construction module 46 then onward to the business module 56 of the IVR 42. In an alternative embodiment, the device 14 includes an applet which receives and renders interface data that is not web page information.

The IVR 42, system 40 and internet banking system 60 may be any workable combination of physical servers and software. For example, they may each have a dedicated server, or may be on a single physical server. They may all be contained on a single piece of software or split.

Advantageously, some embodiments have a "talk to me" option, in which audio data, for example speech, specifying the visual representation data to be rendered on the device 14 is sent to the device 14 to be played concurrently with a display of the visual representation 20. The audio data may alternatively assist the user 16, that is, provide help. This may especially be beneficial for a hearing impaired user 16.

In some embodiments of the system 40, the system 40 sends a remittance to a party to which the user 16 has transferred funds or when the user 16 makes a payment. The remittance may be sent by mail, email, SMS or another service .

In some other embodiments, the system 40 notifies the user 16 that another person has initiated a payment or other transaction request, and that the other person or the system 40 seeks the approval to make the payment of the user 16. In this case, the system 40 sends web page information to the device 14. The corresponding web page is displayed on the device 14 including an approval button. Once the user 16 clicks or selects the button by pressing a key 38 a response including the approval is sent from the device 14 to the system 40 for processing. Requests may be initiated by the other person through, for example, the system 40 or the internet banking system 60. This scheme is particularly advantageous for the case of joint signatories on an account, where the user is not conveniently located to otherwise approve the transaction initiated by the other user.

Fig. 4 shows a device 14 displaying the first or entry web page 68 seen after the user 16 had entered the website built by the system 40. The user 16 selects the "client number" text box 70 and enters a client number, then the user 16 selects the "access code" text box 72 and enters an access code. The client number and access code are example security identifiers. The user 16 then selects the "enter" button and is automatically directed to the web page 74 shown in Fig. 5. Web page 74 automatically displays account balances and other account information without prompting from the user at every session. The information shown may be configured elsewhere, such as through the internet banking system 60.

Fig. 6 shows a web page 78 provided by the system 40 which lists some recent transactions such as a credit and a debit. The user 16 can return to the main menu 20 shown in Fig. 2 by selecting "0 - Home" by either pressing key 0 or clicking on "0 - Home" .

Fig. 7 shows a web page 84 provided by the system, the web page being arranged for initiating a transfer. Accounts and payees are selectable by pop up menus 86 and 88. The amount to be transferred can be entered into the text box 90 by pressing the keys 38. Confirmation of a transfer will be sent to the user via SMS, another web page or email by checking the check box 92. A transfer request is sent from the browser to the system 40 on the user pressing the submit button 94. The entries can be reset by pressing the reset button 92.

Fig. 8 shows a BPAY payment web page 100 provided by the system 40, the operation of which is similar to the transfer page 84 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 shows one embodiment of a system and method of banking over a Short Message Service 110. A customer registers for the SMS service 110 through internet banking 118 or through the IVR 42. The customer assigns access numbers (IB or IVR) . The customer may then use the service. A SMS request server 112 receives a short message (SMS) including a coded instruction to transfer funds to a third party. The SMS originates from a mobile handheld device 16 controlled by a user (not shown) . The SMS flows through a mobile provider's network 114 and a SMS gateway 116. The coded instruction may include instructions to transfer funds to a third party, the coded instruction including a number identifying the third party and a number representing the amount to be transferred. For example the coded instruction "Pl 100" means "transfer $100 from my account to the account previously registered against Pl" . The account may have been previously registered with an internet banking system and/or database 118. The SMS server identifies the user's account using a number, for example a phone number, of the device 16 from which the SMS was sent . The SMS request server 112 then forwards the request to an existing IVR 42 which proceeds as described above to affect the transfer of funds from the account to the third party. The user is not expected to remember the list of registered payees. The user can send a short message (SMS) including a coded instruction to provide by return SMS a set of registered payees. This is received by the SMS server that then retrieves the list with the internet banking service/database 118. Again, the SMS request server 112 identifies the user's account using the phone number of the device 16. The SMS server 112 then sends an SMS including the set of payees registered against the account to the device 16. The SMS request server may send a remittance to the third party by SMS and/or email .

It will be appreciated by Persons Skilled in the Art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly defined. For example, the invention is not limited to a mobile handheld device and could be workable on a PC, for example. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A method of interfacing with an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) , the method comprising the steps of : sending interface data specifying an interactive visual representation of a menu of the IVR; and receiving response data specifying a selection from the menu, the response data being compatible with the IVR system.

2. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the interface data is arranged to control a display of the visual representation by a mobile handheld device.

3. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the visual representation is arranged in a corresponding structure to an audio menu of the IVR.

4. A method as defined by claim 3 wherein the visual representation is a visual facsimile of at least part of the audio menu.

5. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the interface data includes a numbered list of options corresponding to options provided by the IVR.

6. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the IVR is arranged to provide a banking application.

7. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the step of sending interface data includes the step of sending web page information specifying the interactive visual representation.

8. A method as defined by claim 7 wherein the step of sending web page information includes sending one or more of HTML, Javascript, and cascading style sheets.

9. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the step of receiving response data includes the step of receiving response data from a mobile handheld device .

10. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the response data is a number that was entered on a numerical keypad.

11. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the step of sending the interface data includes the step of sending a menu relating to a banking application.

12. A method as defined by claim 11 further comprising the step of sending one or more of account information, such as, balance data and home loan data, and recent transaction data.

13. A method as defined by claim 1 further comprising the step of automatically sending one or more of account information, recent transaction data, and any other banking or promotional related information.

14. A method as defined by claim 1 further comprising the step of requesting registered payee list data from an internet banking database .

15. A method as defined by claim 1 further comprising the separate step of sending a request for approval of a payment initiated by another person.

16. A system for interfacing a user with an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR), the system comprising: a data sender for sending interface data specifying an interactive visual representation of a menu of the IVR; and a response data receiver for receiving response data specifying a selection from the menu, the response data being compatible with the IVR system.

17. A system as defined by claim 16 including a web page constructor for constructing a web page specifying the interactive visual representation.

18. A system as defined by claim 17 wherein the web page constructor is in communication with the IVR.

19. A system as defined by claim 17 wherein the web page constructor is in communication with an internet banking database and arranged to request a registered payee list from the database.

20. A system as defined by claim 19 wherein the web page constructor is arranged to send the registered payee list.

21. A system as defined by claim 17 including a web server in communication with the web page constructor for sending the web page information.

22. A system as defined by claim 16 wherein the system is connected to a wireless mobile handheld device.

23. A device for interfacing a user with an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR), the device comprising: an interface data receiver for receiving interface data specifying an interactive visual representation of a menu of the IVR; an interface data renderer for rendering the interface data; a display for displaying the visual representation; and a response data sender for sending response data specifying a selection from the menu, the response data being compatible with the IVR system.

24. A system comprising the system defined by claim 16 and the device define by claim 23.

25. A system comprising the system defined by claim 16 and an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) in communication with each other.

26. A method of secure banking, the method comprising the steps of : receiving a request to provide a set of payees previously registered with an internet banking database; requesting the set of payees; receiving the set of registered payees; and sending the set of payees previously registered.

27. A system for secure banking, the system comprising: request receiving means for receiving a request to provide a set of payees previously registered with an internet banking database; request sending means for requesting the set of payees; receiving means of the IVR for the IVR receiving the set of registered payees; and registering payees sending means for sending the set of payees previously registered.

28. A method of banking over a Short Message Service, the method comprising the steps of : receiving a short message (SMS) including a coded instruction to transfer funds to a third party; identifying an account using a number of the device from which the SMS was sent; and transferring the funds from the account to the third party.

29. A method of retrieving payee information, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a short message (SMS) including a coded instruction to provide a set of registered payees; identifying an account using a number of a device from which the SMS was sent; and sending a SMS including the set of payees registered against the account to the device.

30. A computer software comprising instructions for interfacing with an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR), the instructions including the steps of:

sending interface data specifying an interactive visual representation of a menu of the IVR; and receiving response data specifying a selection from the menu, the response data being compatible with the IVR system.