EP1360660A2 - Accounting method and accounting machine - Google Patents
Accounting method and accounting machineInfo
- Publication number
- EP1360660A2 EP1360660A2 EP01271613A EP01271613A EP1360660A2 EP 1360660 A2 EP1360660 A2 EP 1360660A2 EP 01271613 A EP01271613 A EP 01271613A EP 01271613 A EP01271613 A EP 01271613A EP 1360660 A2 EP1360660 A2 EP 1360660A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- accounting
- point
- user
- transaction
- per
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Ceased
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Definitions
- the invention relates to an accounting method for recording a transaction initiated by a user at a transaction point, in which the user operates a mobile telephone that is identifiable by a telephone number associated with a user account, and in which the transaction point transmits transaction point-related and transaction-dependent accounting data to an accounting point .
- transaction point means any point where the user executes a financial transaction, e.g. a cash register, an automatic teller machine or the like.
- Paybox A known accounting method of this kind is the "Paybox" system.
- the point-of-sale transmits the transaction-dependent data to the accounting point (referred to as Paybox) by means of a telephone call.
- These data include the purchase amount due for the transaction, the code of the point-of-sale and the mobile telephone number of the user.
- Paybox calls the customer's mobile telephone and has the transaction (retailer and transaction amount) confirmed by the entry of a PIN previously agreed on with Paybox by the user.
- Paybox collects the money by means of direct debit and forwards it to the Internet retailer.
- bla- tant disadvantage is that the seller knows the user's telephone number and can use it after the transaction to make calls or send SMS advertisements. In addition, two calls with the associated costs are required.
- the object of the invention is to further develop a generic method such that it can be executed anonymously, more quickly and more simply.
- the object is solved in that the accounting data are stored in the memory of the accounting point, and in that the accounting data can be confirmed by a call from the user's mobile telephone and matched to the user's account by means of the telephone number.
- the account can be any processing point asso- ciated with the user or a user group, e.g. a bank account, a credit card account, a prepaid system or the like.
- the accounting method according to the invention also enables the user to confirm the transaction by using his mobile tele- phone.
- the method according to the invention is much simpler in terms of the procedure.
- the transaction point When the procedure is initiated, the transaction point generates accounting data that include the account information (account number and bank sort code) associated with the trans- action point.
- This account information alone enables the machine to identify the transaction point in the subsequent steps.
- the account In contrast to the known credit card payment method, the account is associated not with the user, but with the transaction point itself. This can be achieved, for example, by as- signing account numbers reserved for this purpose, which need not be associated with an actual bank account.
- the accounting machine contains a list of the account numbers assigned to the transaction points for the purpose of mobile payment (m- commerce) .
- the point-of-sale can be identified by transmitting a fixed, reserved account number ("system account number") together with the terminal number of the card reader that is customary in such systems (e.g. the terminal number of the credit card reader) .
- system account number the terminal number indicates the transaction point and the account number indicates that the transaction is to be confirmed and concluded with a user's mobile telephone.
- the accounting data include the transaction-related sum of money. All of these accounting data are referred to below as a "blank entry" .
- the blank entry is stored in the memory of the accounting point and can be confirmed by the user's call. Since the user's mobile telephone number is linked to the user's personal account number, the blank entry can only be converted into a personal customer transaction entry when the user makes the confirmation call to the accounting point, which can be unequivocally identified by its point-dependent telephone number (referred to below as the "machine number") .
- the bank sort code and the account number of the blank entry are converted from information relating to the accounting point, to information relating to the user, meaning that a set of entirely user- dependent accounting data results. Accordingly, the transaction is opened by initiation at the transaction point and closed by the user's call with his mobile telephone.
- the full set of data required to execute the accounting entry comprises various sub-data (user's mobile telephone number, system account number, transaction code of the machine, etc.). These sub-data can be transmitted together or separately via various transmission media to the accounting point, where they are combined to form the complete accounting entry in order to close the entry. Provision can be made for the complete accounting entry to remain open until all sub-data are received by the accounting machine.
- One item of sub-data can be trans- mitted via the user's mobile telephone, for example, and another by means of the subsequent exchange of data media containing the data stored at the point-of-sale.
- the accounting point can send the user's mobile telephone a processing code in the form of a transaction code, which matches the intended utilisation mode and/or the transaction point.
- a processing code in the form of a transaction code, which matches the intended utilisation mode and/or the transaction point.
- the latter Upon entering the transaction code at the transaction point, the latter is enabled for the respective transaction, e.g. to access chargeable content on the Internet, buy a product at a machine or the like.
- each accounting point must be assigned an individual machine number in order to be unequivocally addressable by a user.
- the machine number is preferably a freephone number
- the user only incurs the costs of a standard EC-card or credit card transaction.
- this accounting method also has a neutral effect on the costs in- curred by the point-of-sale, e.g. a retailer who uses the accounting method according to the invention, because the accounting point need not necessarily take the user's call in order to close the accounting entry.
- the call signal is sufficient for converting the blank entry into the personal user en- try, because the user's telephone number can be identified by means of CLI (Calling Line Identification) or comparable methods .
- CLI Calling Line Identification
- the transaction point is a cash register
- the transaction can be initiated by a card in credit card format, whose magnetic strip or chip contains the accounting data for the blank entry.
- the accounting method according to the invention can utilise the existing infrastructure of the existing EC or credit card readers in shops and automatic teller ma- chines.
- the accounting data for the blank entry can be initiated simply by pressing a button that can, for example, be addition- ally provided on the automatic teller machines.
- the user need only press the button and confirm the transaction by making a call with his mobile telephone.
- the accounting data in the blank entry are preferably only saved in the memory of the accounting point for a certain length of time. If the user does not call within a specified time, the blank entry is automatically deleted from the memory.
- the method can also be used for the simple realisation of a collection process for the respective type of use.
- the transaction point stores data comprising the transaction code entered by the user and possibly also the type of use.
- Provi- sion can be made for the respective entry not to be closed and the user's account not to be debited until these data are matched with the accounting point, this also being possible offline at a later time.
- a user who would like to participate in m-commerce using the accounting method according to the invention can arrange a PIN (Personal Identification Number) during registration for participation, which is assigned to his telephone number.
- a PIN Personal Identification Number
- the user can then be required to enter this PIN at the transaction point.
- this PIN only seems to be related to the card used.
- the accounting point confirms that the PIN is assigned to the user's mobile telephone and thus confirms the transaction.
- the user When using the method according to the invention in a car park, the user need no longer get out of the vehicle to pay the parking fee.
- the blank entry can be initiated by the car park at- tendant and shown on a display at the exit.
- the transaction is confirmed by the user making a call with his mobile telephone.
- the machine can call the user back and request entry of a PIN via mobile telephone in order to close the entry.
- the accounting method according to the invention also enables particularly simple accounting of transactions at vending ma- chines, such as cigarette and drinks vending machines and the like.
- vending ma- chines such as cigarette and drinks vending machines and the like.
- the keypad already provided for product selection on many vending machines is sufficient for confirming the transaction.
- the vending machine generates a transaction code that at least identifies the selected product, and possibly also the vending machine, for the accounting machine.
- the transaction code can be read from a pre-defined list or generated by an algorithm that generates different transaction codes based, for example, on the time of day.
- the vending machine shows the user this transaction code, e.g. on a display, as a telephone number that must be called to execute the transaction. If the user's mobile telephone is equipped with an infrared interface, it can be used to transmit the transaction code to the mobile telephone.
- the ac- counting machine When the user calls the indicated telephone number in order to pay, the ac- counting machine, which also knows the algorithm or means for generating the transaction code, can generate a second, time- dependent transaction code (enable code) , where the time delay between generation in the vending machine and the accounting machine is taken into account.
- This enable code which is transmitted to the user's mobile telephone, is then entered on the vending machine by the user and checked by it with regard to its validity. Acceptance of the enable code by the vending machine, e.g. based on the identity of the enable code and an internal code generated in the vending machine, leads to the release of the desired goods. This can be achieved, for example, in that the vending machine and the accounting machine generate the same codes in delayed fashion.
- the transaction code represents a group of telephone num- bers assigned to the accounting point, on the basis of which the accounting point can identify the product and/or the vending machine.
- the vending machine then 'dispenses the desired product.
- a simpler configuration can involve the generation of only one, product-dependent transaction code at the point-of-sale.
- the user can be informed of the telephone number of the accounting machine he must call by a sticker affixed to the vending machine, for example.
- the vending machine also knows the algorithm, it only releases the desired goods when the enable code and the PIN are entered. This method rules out abuse of the mobile telephone in the event of loss, because the user needs the PIN in order to pay. A higher level of security can be achieved if the algorithm in the accounting machine and the vending machine changes from time to time.
- the telephone number shown on the display of the vending machine, which the user is to call, can also contain - possibly in encoded form - all or part of the last enable code used successfully on the vending machine. In this way, the accounting machine can discover from the user whether a previously transmitted enable code led to an effective transaction. Thus, failed transactions can easily be identified and cancelled.
- an enable code to the user's mobile telephone for the purpose of enabling a transaction is naturally not limited to use in vending machines, but can be used whenever the transaction-dependent sum of money for an object or item of information to be sold, e.g. access to proprietary content in a mobile telecommunications network or the Internet, is to be billed via an account.
- the user it is also conceivable for the user to be prompted by a conventional sales or credit card terminal payment to obtain an enable code by calling a specific or generated telephone number in order to effect payment.
- a user prompt of this kind can be generated or displayed by the user pressing a switch provided for this function or inserting a card with sys- tern account number reserved for this purpose into the terminal.
- Entry of the enable code transmitted back to the user on the terminal then leads to the initialisation of any kind of data transmission link, such as an ISO 8583 transaction, between the terminal and a verification point, whose responsibility is to check the required parameters of the desired transaction, e.g. the solvency of the user, or also the validity of the transmitted enable code.
- Assignment of the enable code to a specific transaction can also take place in delayed fashion in order to book the transaction, e.g. at regular intervals, such as at the end of the month.
- the accounting machine first asks for the user's account information.
- the registration process can require that a password only be transmitted to the specified account.
- the user In order to obtain the password, the user must give evidence of access au- thorisation for the account, so that the specified account can be used to debit the transaction-dependent sum of money. Consequently, the password is transmitted via the existing and secure communication channel of the bank system, for which the access authorisation of the customer has already been verified.
- the password can, for example, be a telephone number that the user must call. If the call is made by the user, his access au ⁇ thorisation for the account specified by the user is confirmed. At the same time, the transaction-dependent sum of money can be billed via the account.
- PCT/EP 01/11333 the disclosed content of which thus becomes an integral part of this patent application.
- the vending machine can be designed to display different transaction codes for the user to call, depending on the maintenance status. On the basis of the tele- phone number called, the accounting point then knows which vending machine requires servicing. In this way, for example, the transaction code that represents the number to be called can signalise that the level of a certain brand of cigarettes in a cigarette machine has dropped below a pre-defined minimum level and a refill is necessary.
- another configuration can include the provision of a transaction memory in each vending machine that stores the enable codes accumulated over a period of time, these being compared with the accounting point at specific intervals.
- the transaction data in the trans- action memory also contain information on whether the transaction was concluded successfully or a malfunction occurred. The user's account is only debited after comparison if the process was concluded at the vending machine without any malfunction.
- transaction-dependent data can be logged in the vending machine and stored in the transaction memory.
- the accounting machine can also transmit a universally valid enable code to the user, which can be entered on all vending machines that operate in accordance with the invention. Billing of the transaction and, in particular, product-specific price determination, take place when the respective transaction memory is compared with the accounting machine. Because registration to participate in the accounting method according to the invention requires the user to state his mobile telephone number, which can then be detected by the accounting point at any time by CLI, the accounting point can, by not transmitting the enable code, prevent the issue of products for which the user does not have the required authorisation to purchase (age, solvency and the like) . Similarly, the accounting point can also restrict the quantity of purchasable prod- ucts .
- the accounting method is implemented in practice in the form of a computer program running on an accounting point that functions as a server. Alternatively, it can be realised by a circuit on a plug-in circuit board.
- the invention further relates to an accounting machine for recording a transaction initiated by a user at a transaction point, where the user operates a mobile telephone that is identifiable by a telephone number associated with a user account, and where the point-of-sale transmits point-of-sale-related, transaction-dependent accounting data to the accounting machine.
- the invention provides for an accounting machine characterised in that the accounting data can be stored in the memory of the accounting point, and in that the accounting data can be confirmed by the user's call and matched to the user's bank account by means of the telephone number.
- All known transmission media can be used to transmit the accounting data from the point-of-sale to the accounting point, e.g. telephone, Internet, remote data transmission line or ra- dio link.
- Fig. 1 The functional principle of an accounting machine operating according to the prior art
- Fig. 2 The functional principle of a first configuration of the accounting machine according to the invention.
- Fig. 3 The functional principle of an alternative accounting machine .
- the figures symbolically show the accounting machine as A, the user as C, the bank system as B and the point-of-sale as V.
- the bank system can comprise one or more financial institutions.
- the transmitted data are shown in boxes on the arrows connecting the objects. The direction of the arrows indicates the direction of data flow.
- the functional principle is described using the example of the purchase of goods by customer or user C at a retail outlet, which represents the point-of-sale.
- Step 1 of the known Paybox method the retailer transmits data TI, comprising the transaction-dependent data and the mobile telephone number of user C, to Paybox.
- Step 2 Paybox calls the mobile telephone of user C and transmits data Tl to user C.
- user C In order to confirm the transaction, user C must enter a PIN (T2) assigned to him by Paybox at the time of registration. Paybox then books the transaction to the user's account (not shown) .
- the accounting machine works as follows (see Fig. 2) : card reader K for an EC card or credit card is connected to the retailer's cash register, which represents point-of-sale V. The points shown are networked by data links.
- the retailer slides a credit card through credit card reader K, which initiates the blank entry.
- This credit card is either given to him by the user, or he has one himself because he previously registered to use the accounting system according to the invention.
- the retailer's cash register transmits accounting data II to bank system B.
- Accounting data II at least contain the sum of money to be debited and a code for the point-of-sale, i.e. a bank sort code and account number or a terminal number.
- the bank system Based on the account number, the bank system identifies the data as being a blank entry that works by the method according to the invention and, in Step 2, forwards accounting data II from the bank system to accounting machine A.
- Accounting machine A stores accounting data II in a buffer mem- ory and then waits for the telephone call from user C to confirm the entry.
- user C dials the telephone number of accounting machine A, which is free in this case, and transmits telephone number 13 of the mobile telephone to accounting machine A. Because user C's account information was assigned to the telephone number at the time of registration, accounting machine A need only receive the call from the customer to exchange the bank sort code and account number in the blank entry for the personal customer bank sort code and account number, so that accounting machine A can transmit personal customer entry 14 to the bank system in Step 4, and user C's account can be debited with the purchase data of the retailer.
- Secure transmission media such as SSL codes, are preferably used for transmission between the individual points.
- Alternative accounting machine A shown in Fig. 3 differs from the one shown in Fig. 2 in that user C must enter a PIN on an input field P when the card data are read by card reader K.
- the PIN is known only to user C, the ownership situation of the mobile telephone can thus also be checked using the existing infrastructure of EC card readers with PIN entry capability.
- this PIN is not linked to the card, but to the user's mobile telephone number.
- accounting machine A ensures that point-of-sale V considers the PIN to be the one belonging to the card, and concludes the transaction.
- the accounting machine can send the user a receipt, e.g. by SMS or e-mail.
- a receipt can also be sent to the retailer.
- the retailer preferably re- ceives the customary receipt of his point-of-sale (terminal) .
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- Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP01271613A EP1360660A2 (en) | 2000-12-18 | 2001-12-18 | Accounting method and accounting machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP00127679 | 2000-12-18 | ||
EP00127679 | 2000-12-18 | ||
EP01110482 | 2001-04-27 | ||
EP01110482 | 2001-04-27 | ||
EP01128277 | 2001-11-28 | ||
EP01128277 | 2001-11-28 | ||
EP01271613A EP1360660A2 (en) | 2000-12-18 | 2001-12-18 | Accounting method and accounting machine |
PCT/EP2001/014990 WO2002050788A2 (en) | 2000-12-18 | 2001-12-18 | Accounting method and accounting machine |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1360660A2 true EP1360660A2 (en) | 2003-11-12 |
Family
ID=29255415
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01271613A Ceased EP1360660A2 (en) | 2000-12-18 | 2001-12-18 | Accounting method and accounting machine |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP1360660A2 (en) |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1996006415A1 (en) * | 1994-08-24 | 1996-02-29 | The Coca-Cola Company | Method and apparatus for vending goods in conjunction with a credit card accepting fuel dispensing pump |
-
2001
- 2001-12-18 EP EP01271613A patent/EP1360660A2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1996006415A1 (en) * | 1994-08-24 | 1996-02-29 | The Coca-Cola Company | Method and apparatus for vending goods in conjunction with a credit card accepting fuel dispensing pump |
Non-Patent Citations (2)
Title |
---|
"Corporate Gift Program Uncorked", BAMP, July 1998 (1998-07-01), pages 73, XP002955480 * |
See also references of WO0250788A3 * |
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