Method to initiate a payment procedure for products and system to realize such a payment procedure

0001The present invention relates to a method for initiating a payment process, for products, a method of paying for products and a system for Performing a checkout for products.

0002Payment transactions are the purchase of goods or in the use of Services performed. Conventionally, the payment process is carried out at so-called "point of sale" (POS) through the transfer of money. In addition, Payment transactions handled by bank or credit cards, which the buyer the Seller transfers. This usually reviewed with reference to the bank or credit card Validity and credibility of the buyer. It can be also the Payment transaction from the buyer through a signature or typing personal identification number (PIN) to confirm.

0003Furthermore, payment methods known which use a mobile phone of the purchaser. In a transmitted become known under the name PAYBOX method the buyer's mobile telephone number to the seller. The vendor provides then via a telecommunication device, such as. for example, on his mobile phone or equipped with a modem electronic checkout, connect to an external unit and transmits this, the mobile phone number of the buyer, the estimate of the amount of money and its own identification data. The external Unit then calls the buyer under his mobile phone number and calls him the payee and the amount to be paid. The buyer can then the transaction by entering a personal identification number release.

0004A disadvantage of this method is that the telecommunication costs relative are high because both the buyer and the seller a telecommunications link must be prepared and throughout the payment system is maintained.

0005Another payment method is described in DE 198 43 439 C2. The payment process is carried out via a communication between a base station Telecommunications the seller, the mobile phone of the purchaser and a telecommunications device a financial institution. The basic telecommunications station of the seller sends the necessary to pay for data by radio to the mobile phone of Buyer. The phone asks the user to confirm the payment from. This is followed by an authentication of the user. If there is permission the user is the payment procedure of the mobile phone as a performed conventional mobile telephone banking procedures in the payment instruction data from the mobile telephone to the telecommunication device of the financial institution be sent.

0006A disadvantage of this method is that all the outlets in which this System can be paid, with the base telecommunication station must be so that a telecommunication connection to the mobile telephone the buyer can be produced. This causes the introduction of the system very high investment costs. In addition, the operating costs of the system are relatively high because in a payment process both a telecommunication link from the base telecommunication station of the seller to the mobile telephone the buyer as well as a connection to the telecommunication entity a external unit must be established.

0007It is the object of the present invention, a method for initiating a Payment process for products, a method of paying for products and a propose system for performing a payment process for products where are the payment process simple and inexpensive initiated or carried out can.

0008This object is achieved by a method for initiating a payment process with the Features of claim 1, a method for payment of products with the Features of claim 14 and a system for performing a payment process, achieved for products with the features of claim 17. Advantageous and developments emerge from the dependent claims.

0009In the inventive method for initiating a payment process for products, is a code from which at least the amount payable is determined, by means a sales device displayed an optical detection means of Buyer optically detects the code and the detected code or derived from the code Data is or are of a mobile telecommunications unit of Buyer transmitted to an external unit for unwinding the checkout.

0010An advantage of the novel process that the exchange of the Payment process relevant data between the device and the seller Means the buyer can be done very easily and quickly. It is sufficient that of sellers a code with the relevant data is displayed. Conventional electronic cash usually have a display device on which the can display code readily. Further, it is also sufficient by sellers, that the code printed on each product and therefore displayed directly from this becomes. Such codes of goods are already in use, so that here no investment required for the introduction of the method must be applied. By the buyer side, it is necessary to detect the code optically. If this with can be carried out devices, which the buyer typically also for other applications carries with it, no separate devices are also here to perform the method required. Advantageously, the optical detection of the code be carried out very easily and quickly, the accelerated payment process becomes. Furthermore, in the optical detection of the code will be no more be charged unless the appropriate devices already exist.

0011According to a preferred embodiment of the method transfers sales means at least the amount to be paid to the external Unit and requested to a transaction identification for the external unit. The external unit generates a transaction identification and one of these Transaction identification code assigned and transmits the sales device at least the code. The sales device displays the code then. According to another embodiment generates the external unit a transaction identification, from which the code is to be displayed winnable, and transmits the Sales means the transaction identification. The sales device wins from the transaction identification code, and then displays it.

0012In a further development of these embodiments wins the mobile telecommunication device the buyer from the code, the associated transaction identification and transmits it to the external unit for handling the payment process. The external unit then assigns preferably of from telecommunications Filing the buyer transmitted transaction identification before a generated and transmitted to a sales transaction identification means to and determines the amount to be paid.

0013An advantage of these embodiments is that it is sufficient that the transaction identification via the optical code from the sales device to the telecommunication device the purchaser is transmitted optically. Further, the Sales means data in question need not be transmitted, as in the external unit a compound of the transaction identification to the Sales device, which has received the transaction identification stored, is. Receives the external unit of the telecommunication device of the buyer the corresponding transaction identification, they can easily get all the relevant gain data of the registered sales device.

0014According to another preferred embodiment of the method transmits the external unit the amount to be paid to the telecommunication device the buyer. transmits the telecommunication device of the buyer a confirmation of the establishment, payment then together with data the state how the payment is to be made to the external unit. This configuration is the flexibility and the security of the present invention Procedure increased. The buyer is possible, through its telecommunications device to use a variety of accounts or credit cards for payment, without the necessary accompanying information, such as bank details, PINs and TANs heart knowing. This data namely in the telecommunication device be saved. Even when a loss of the telecommunication device not a security issue, as long as the device is locked or off is. All confidential data is encrypted by the application stored and secure the application with an optional password. Further Safety is increased by that sales means not banking or bank account information of the buyer has. These data are only available at the external unit before.

0015According to another embodiment of the method is the displayed amount to be paid in the form of codes by means of sales device. This configuration has the advantage that sales means the code for any good or service can display directly, without passing through an transaction identification or the like. To request from the externern unit.

0016The code may preferably further information relevant to the payment process are include. This is particularly a vendor identification. Further, this example, the currency of the amount to be paid, the accepted payment methods, the connection data of the external device, a checksum and / or a transaction identification. Where this information is already in the code included, it is not necessary to manually or these in a further step to transfer the external unit for unwinding the checkout. All the Implementation of the payment process necessary data in a single step detected by the optical detection device of the buyer and a mobile Telecommunication device, such. As a mobile phone, to the external unit transfer.

0017According to a preferred embodiment of the inventive method decodes the detected code and displayed. The transmission of the detected code or derived from the code data from the mobile telephone of the buyer to the external unit for handling the payment process is carried out in this case after a confirmation by the purchaser. This can, for example, a personal Enter identification number to release the payment in his mobile phone. By this step is an abuse of the process of the invention by a not eligible purchaser prevented.

0018According to a preferred development of the method of the telecommunications unit of the buyer also a buyer ID, transmitted data about the nature of the payment process and / or a security code. These Data can in particular together with the detected code to the external unit be transmitted. The buyer identification automatically takes place preferably at the production of a cellular connection. The type of payment method, ie for example, whether the payment electronically through a bank transfer, a direct debit, Check or by credit card is, the buyer chooses in his cellphone made after the possible payment methods that it has been displayed. As Security code, for example, a transaction number (TAN) of the external Unit are transmitted.

0019According to a preferred embodiment of the method is the code with a Digital camera photographs. In the code, it can be in particular a barcode act. Furthermore, the code in symbolic form can be displayed. It should Ad place such that a decoding of a photograph of the image of a CRT monitor, which displays the code is possible. After the code with a digital camera has been photographed, is located in the optical detecting means the buyer an image file before that very simple with traditional software can be analyzed and quickly. This analysis is simplified if the code is a barcode. In addition, already in this case existing encodings used for bar code scanner for the inventive initiation checkout will. Further possibilities of the optical coding as inventively of sales device can be used in the display, are in Posted EAN-UCC - The Global Language of Business; Coorganisation 3/2003, pages 20 to 22 described.

0020In the inventive method for paying for products the payment process is initiated in the manner described above. The payment process by means of the external unit using the mobile telecommunications unit of the the buyer transmitted data running or triggered. The external unit then transmits an acknowledgment, at least on the sales device. Of Furthermore, the external unit can be a confirmation to the telecommunication device transmitted by the buyer. For the triggering or execution of the payment process , the external device to connect to the financial institution of the Buyer or establish the financial institution from the seller and a referral, a debit or an electronic check of the code contained in Amount instruct on an account of the seller from the buyer's account. Further , the external device a merchant account credit card of the buyer cause with that contained in the code amount.

0021The inventive system for performing a payment process for products is characterized by a display device that a code from the at least the amount payable is determined, indicating an optical detector the buyer with which the code displayed is optically detected, a mobile telecommunications unit of the purchaser that the optical detection device is coupled and with which the detected code or code derived from the Data is transmitted wirelessly or are, and an external unit for unwinding checkout with which the mobile unit of telecommunications the buyer transmitted data can be received and a sales device is coupled to transmit a confirmation of the payment process. Becomes operate the system for a plurality of vendors, can by the display means Displaying Code also contains a vendor identification.

0022The display device is coupled to a sales device, which display, the code controls. The display device is, for example, a screen display including a flat-screen or CRT monitor. It may in particular be coupled to an electronic cash register. Furthermore, under the display device understood the imprint the code on the product.

0023According to an embodiment of the inventive system are the optical detecting means and the mobile telecommunication device of the Buyer summarized in a mobile phone with a digital camera. Such Mobile phones are becoming more widespread, allowing for the introduction of the invention System no separate investment costs for these facilities are to be applied.

0024The mobile telephone used is preferably formed so that an installation possible additional software. In this way, the process steps may include, for Implementation of the payment process, which must be settled to the buyer, by run the installed in the mobile phone the buyer software automatically. This makes the payment process for the buyer easily. In addition, is hereby the payment process accelerated as to the buyer any unnecessary entries are to be made in the mobile phone. The additional software may be, for example, through a direct cable connection, by downloading from the Internet, transmitted through an infrared or a Bluetooth connection. In order to is the transfer and installation of additional software very easily and in a few Steps completed. This is the user-friendliness of the invention System increases.

0025Furthermore it has the inventive method and the inventive System has the advantage that it is very reliable, because all the functions and processes to build standards already used and already proven programs Application can find. Furthermore, the buyer can advantageously before seller Anonymous are held, provided that in both the sales goods to a digital good acts that can be electronically transmitted or the goods directly to a point of sale is purchased. Finally, the inventive method is very cost effective. The user creates very small additional costs, for example, only be caused by the Internet connection to the external unit.

0026The invention will now by means of embodiments with reference to the figures explained.<sl><li>1 shows schematically a first embodiment of the present invention Method and system for performing a payment process for products and</li><li>Figure 2 shows schematically a second embodiment of the present invention Process.</li></sl>

0027The system includes on seller side means 3, by means of which a code 5 can be displayed. This can, for example, a display device in the stationary Trade or in catering. For sales on the Internet, there is a Computer seller who creates a web page, which the buyer to can view his computer. However, of the device 3 are also devices be included for conventional goods markings which a Code 5 on a product is printed, so that the code displayed in this way the buyer becomes.

0028Below is the first embodiment of the purchase of a product on the Internet explained. In this case, the sales device is a provider of the on the screen 4 of the computer of the buyer provides displayed Web page. The 5 representation of the code on the screen 4 is made such that the code 5 when photographing the screen 4 can decode reliably. For example a conventional bar code may be used. In addition, various Icons appear. In this case, however take into account that when photographing the image of a CRT monitor, large parts of the image due synchronization in the photograph appear black. The ad must therefore be such that the code even when using a CRT monitor can decode.

0029The code 5 contains at least information on the amount of the executed Checkout. Because the payment system used in a variety of vendors may be, the Code 5 also includes an identification of the seller. If, like a sale on the Internet, different currencies are concerned, should contain the currency of the code as well. There are various options for the payment process, also can be used in the code the different types the accepted payment methods be included or already on the buyer computer selected payment method. can to accounting allocation purposes in the also use code or an invoice number and a Transaction ID be included. In order to detect any decoding errors, may contain a checksum of the code 5 yet. Finally, the Internet address the payment service to be included in the code.

0030On the buyer side, an optical detector and a mobile telecommunication device provided. The optical detection device may be a Digital camera, a scanner be, a barcode reader or the like.. It is any body suitable, which can display the code of sellers 5 detect visually.

0031According to the embodiment of the invention, the optical detection means and the mobile telecommunication device of the buyer to a mobile telephone 1, in which a digital camera is integrated 2, summarized. Such Mobile phones 1 are becoming more widespread. The mobile telephone 1 and the camera 2 but could also have a plug, cable or radio communication with each other communicate. Further, the cellular phone 1 allows the installation of additional software, which supports the carrying out the method according to the invention. also can be used as optical sensing device and mobile telecommunication device a mobile phone be 1 provided with a barcode reader. The mobile phone 1 may have a telecommunications provider 7 and the Internet 11 8 Establishing a connection 6 to a externern Server 9 for the payment service. Using this connection, 6, 8, the mobile phone can 1 data to the external server 9 transfer. The external server 9 is therefor also via a line 10 to the Internet 11. Likewise, the sales device 3 is on the line 13 and the computer of the buyer on the line 12 connected to the Internet 11th The external server 9 can thus over the Internet 11 with the sales device 3 and the computer of the buyer communicate. This communication must, however, done not necessarily via the Internet 11th It is here, any other Type of data exchange possible.

0032In the following, the first embodiment of the method for initiating a Checkout for a product and the method of payment of the product explained:

0033The buyer installed a provided by the payment service provider or a seller Software on his mobile phone 1 and configure this once, in he data that are required for payment processing, in the Mobile phone 1 stores. This data includes, among other things for a payment process by credit card, the credit card company, credit card number, Expiration date of the credit card, the name of the credit card holder and the check digit. Should be done by a bank transfer payment, the bank code be and the account number of the buyer saved and his personal identification number (PIN) and a number of transaction numbers (TAN). If the payment be carried out by direct debit, it is enough, the bank code and to store the account number of the buyer on the phone. 1

0034According to another variant, the buyer registered initially with the payment service, the specific data of the buyer on the server 9 stores. To this Data include the mobile phone number of the buyer and listed above Data required for payment processing.

0035After the mobile phone 1 of the buyer is configured and the data on the Server stored 9, the payment process is initiated:

0036The buyer wants, for example, the offer by a seller for the purchase of goods use the Internet. The vendor provides this a website prepared on a Barcode is 5, which is the to buy product assigned. This Code 5 is displayed on the computer of the buyer. It contains at least the to amount to be paid. Provide multiple sellers the payment methods, is in the code 5 also a vendor identification included. In addition, the code 5, the abovementioned data. If the buyer wants the assigned the code 5 buy product, it starts the software installed on his cellphone 1 application the payment service provider and photographed with a digital camera 2 of his mobile phone 1 the code displayed on the screen 4 5. The on cellphone 1 application running decoded subsequently captured by the digital camera 2 Image and displays the information contained in the code 5 to the buyer again on the display of the mobile phone 1 on. Where the information contains various Options, the buyer can still on his cellphone 1 select the appropriate one. For example, he, the type of payment method (Credit card, bank transfer, debit, electronic check or other Select method).

0037Then the buyer confirms the initiation of the payment transaction on his cellphone 1. This can be done by a simple keystroke. However, it may also be necessary, a special intended for the payment process personal enter identification number in the phone. 1 Finally, it can optionally still be required for each transaction a separate transaction number (TAN) enter. However, it is also possible that the application a in the Mobile telephone 1 stored transaction number automatically selects.

0038The running on the mobile phone 1 application builds thereupon, z. B. over GPRS or UMTS, a connection to the telecommunications provider 7 and from this transfers over the Internet 11 to the external server 9 for the payment service to and the data contained in the code 5, and optionally stored in the cellular phone 1 or additionally entered additional data to the external server 9. The purpose required address externern server, for example, in the code 5 be present or in the running on the mobile phone 1 application. In order completed the initiation of the payment process. The actual payment process and the confirmation it can be unwound from the external server 9 then will.

0039In the following, an example of the implementation of such a payment process, explained.

0040Are all necessary for the implementation of the payment process data from the Mobile phone 1 is transmitted to the server 9, the server 9 analyzes the data, and provides the data for the respective payment transaction together. Where information for implementation checkout required data at least partially on the server 9 stored, the server 9 first detects the caller ID of the cellular phone 1 and checks whether a buyer is authorized, this mobile telephone 1 payment orders transferred to. If it is determined that have been so authorized, analyzing the server 9 the duties assigned by the cellular phone 1 data. It will tested, what kind of the payment process to be executed. are then the data for the payment process together. In this case, the server can either 9 only use the data transmitted from the cellular phone 1 data or with already stored for the buyer data combine.

0041The server 9 then connects to the financial institution of the buyer or the seller and transfers the payment orders. Optionally receives the server 9 a confirmation that the payment carried out by the financial institution, becomes. Then transmits the external server 9 via the Internet 11 to the sales device 3 is a confirmation that the payment process performed or initiated has been. The sales device can then release the product.

0042In the following, a second embodiment of the method is to initiate checkout for a product and the method of payment of the product explained. With respect to the individual process steps is in particular the Figure 2 taken.

0043Before the establishment of the seller 3 participates in the payment system, reports they introduced to the external unit 9 (step A). Here they all transfers for the Payment process relevant data to the external unit 9, which in a database it stores. These are in particular bank account seller. The external Unit 9 then transmits a vendor ID to the sales device 3 (step B).

0044The buyer has installed on his mobile phone 1, a program that automatically performs the steps of the payment process. The mobile phone 1 has a digital camera 2 and can connect to the Internet. Furthermore, the buyer all relevant payment data stored encrypted in the mobile phone. 1 These are especially one or more bank accounts, including the provision PINs and TANs and one or more credit card numbers with the associated security codes.

0045The further description of the payment system will be based on a purchase on the Internet. The buyer adds on the website made available by the sales device 3 Goods added his sale of goods. After the buyer the selection process has completed, it shall inform the sales device with by the z. B. Button "Place Order" clicked (step S₁). Then requests the sales device 3 automatically a transaction identification in externern unit 9 (Step S₂). The sales volume device 3 transmits at least the amount of the Payment and the seller ID to the external unit 9. Optionally can also further parameters are transmitted.

0046The external unit 9 then generates a unique z. B. alphanumeric transaction identification and transmits these to the sales device 3 (step S₃). From the transaction identification can be automatically from the sales device 3 to be displayed optical code 5 win. According to one embodiment of the Method gains the sales device 3 from the transaction identification the Code 5 and displays it then. produced according to another embodiment the external unit 9 a transaction identification and an identification of the transaction associated code 5 and then transmits at least the Code 5 to the sales device. Further, of course, the transaction identification transmitted to the sales device 3 from the external unit 9 will. In this case, the sales device 3 the code obtained 5 directly Show.

0047The buyer will now start the software installed on his phone 1 application for payment procedures and sets the digital camera 2 to the sales of the device 3 displayed optical code. photographed a few seconds after starting the application the digital camera the code shown 5 (step S₄). Optionally, the detected code 5 appears again from the mobile phone to the receiving the digital camera 2 to check.

0048The mobile phone 1 wins now from the acquired code 5 associated with the transaction identification and transmits it, for example by an Internet connection to the external unit 9 (step S₅).

0049The external unit 9 checks whether the transmitted transaction identification Released is. For this purpose, it compares the transmitted transaction identification with a Database who still valid and previously transmitted to Sales devices 3 Transactional identifications contains. Can the transmitted transaction identification an outstanding transaction identification of a sales device be assigned to 3, the latter is removed from the database and the external Unit 9 removes the database the assigned vendor identification with all relevant for the payment process data, in particular the amount to be paid.

0050Then transfers the external unit 9 via the Internet the amount to be paid and possibly other parameters, such as the seller's name, purpose, Payment allowed to the mobile phone 1, which indicates the amount (Step S₆). Further, also an indication of the sales device transfer will. The buyers are paying then released by a confirmation of the amount. He may possibly also a bank account or a credit card for the payment process is to be used, select. Then transmits the mobile telephone 1 automatically confirmation and data that indicate how the payment made to be, that is, for example, a credit card number or bank account to the external unit 9 (step S₇).

0051The external unit 9 then initiates the transfer or credit card payment, as was explained in the first embodiment (step S_8th). When successful is the payment process or after the initiation of the payment an acknowledgment, at least on the sales device 3 sent (step S_9A). Further, preferably, is also an acknowledgment to the mobile phone 1 of the buyer sent (step S_9B). The payment process is now completed and the Internet connection the mobile phone 1 can be separated.